A/H1N1 Vaccine Intentions in College Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior |
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Authors: | Vinita Agarwal |
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Institution: | Department of Communication Arts, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland |
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Abstract: | AbstractObjective: To test the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in college students who have not previously received the A/H1N1 vaccine. Participants: Undergraduate communication students at a metropolitan southern university. Methods: In January–March 2010, students from voluntarily participating communication classes completed a hardcopy survey assessing TPB and clinically significant constructs. Hierarchical regression equations predicted variance in vaccine intentions of students who had not received a flu shot (N = 198; 70% Caucasian). Results: The TPB model explained 51.7% (p < .001) of variance in vaccine intentions. Controlling for side effects, self-efficacy and perceived comparative susceptibility predicted intentions when entered in the first block, whereas attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly contribute when entered in the second block. Conclusions: For students who have not previously received a flu vaccine, vaccine communication should utilize self-efficacy and perceived comparative susceptibility to employ the TPB to promote vaccine intentions. |
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Keywords: | A/H1N1 vaccine intentions college students pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus perceived comparative susceptibility Theory of Planned Behavior |
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