A/H1N1 vaccine intentions in college students: an application of the theory of planned behavior.
OBJECTIVE
To test the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in college students who have not previously received the A/H1N1 vaccine.


METHODS
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.
a Department of Communication Arts , Salisbury University , Salisbury , Maryland.
Vinita
V
Agarwal
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001519:Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
A/H1N1 vaccine intentions; Theory of Planned Behavior; college students; pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus; perceived comparative susceptibility