College Studentsʼ Attitudes Regarding Vaccination to Prevent Genital Herpes

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vaccines represent an important strategy for the control of infectious diseases but are only effective if accepted by the public. Unique attitudinal issues may affect usage of vaccines to control sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The object of this study was to examine among college students factors that may influence acceptance of a vaccine against genital herpes. GOALS: To examine attitudes regarding acceptance of vaccination for genital herpes by college students using aspects of health behavior theories. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects were recruited from an undergraduate psychology class to complete a questionnaire regarding attitudes and beliefs about receiving a potential genital herpes vaccine. RESULTS: Of the 518 subjects, 100 would not get the vaccine, 207 would, and 211 were unsure. In the final models, factors that influenced acceptance were low cost and an opinion that the vaccine should be recommended for everyone. Those who were unsure were more likely to be influenced by an opinion that the vaccine would be unsuccessful. While not remaining in the final models, those who believed they were at low risk of acquiring genital herpes were unlikely to accept a genital herpes vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that most college students would not reject vaccination, a priori, against genital herpes. Vaccine acceptance may be maximized if vaccine cost is low, the public is educated regarding risk of acquiring genital herpes, and public health policy encourages universal vaccination.

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