Viral Sexually Transmitted Disease Vaccine Acceptability Among College Students

Abstract

Vaccines are an important strategy for the control of infectious diseases; however, they are only successful if accepted. The object of this study was to examine factors that could affect vaccine acceptance among college students for 2 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The goal was to examine the impact of gender and specific rationales on STD vaccine acceptance using health behavior theories. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding attitudes about hypothetical STD vaccines. Seventy-four percent of each group endorsed acceptance. Factors influencing genital herpes vaccine acceptance were parents' feelings, belief in vaccination, universal recommendation, numerous partners, a belief that acquisition makes finding partners difficult, and low cost. Human papillomavirus vaccine factors were parents' feelings, universal recommendation, numerous partners, safety, and low cost. Our results indicate that most college students would accept STD vaccination. Factors affecting acceptance were similar for both pathogens. The results suggest acceptance will be positively affected by health policies encouraging universal vaccination.