Using the Health Belief Model in Qualitative Focus Groups to Identify HPV Vaccine Acceptability in College Men

This study determines predictors of HPV vaccine acceptability among college-aged male students through the qualitative data collection strategy of focus groups. Over the course of 2 months, six focus groups were conducted with 50 participants, with approximately 10 participants in each focus group. Participants were predominately single, heterosexual, about 20 years old, Caucasian males attending a large Midwestern University. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a guide in developing questions for the focus groups. Each question related to a construct of the HBM. A lack of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity of HPV, and barriers toward taking the HPV vaccine were major themes identified from the focus groups. Overall, the focus group proved to be effective in understanding predictors toward HPV vaccine acceptability. Results enabled the researchers to develop an understanding of content needed for effective interventions. This study indicates a need for more qualitative studies exploring attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to HPV vaccine acceptability among at-risk populations.