The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a social cognitive theory that explains human behavior. It posits that three constructs—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—predict behavioral intentions, which in turn predict behavior. The TPB has been used to predict a wide range of behaviors, including vaccination behavior.

In the study by Askelson et al., the TPB was used to predict mothers’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. The authors found that attitudes were the strongest predictor of mothers’ intentions to vaccinate. This suggests that mothers’ beliefs about the HPV vaccine, such as whether they believe it is safe and effective, play a major role in their decision to vaccinate their daughters.

Subjective norms, or mothers’ perceptions of the social pressure to vaccinate their daughters, also influenced their intentions to vaccinate. This suggests that mothers are more likely to vaccinate their daughters if they believe that other important people in their lives, such as their spouses, family members, and healthcare providers, approve of vaccination.

Perceived behavioral control, or mothers’ confidence in their ability to vaccinate their daughters, did not influence their intentions to vaccinate. This suggests that mothers’ confidence in their ability to access the vaccine and navigate the healthcare system is not a major barrier to vaccination.

Question b.

The TPB constructs with the greatest impact on mothers’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV were attitudes and subjective norms.

Attitudes

Attitudes refer to mothers’ beliefs about the HPV vaccine, such as whether they believe it is safe, effective, and necessary. Mothers with positive attitudes towards the HPV vaccine are more likely to intend to vaccinate their daughters.

The study by Askelson et al. found that mothers with more positive attitudes towards the HPV vaccine were more likely to intend to vaccinate their daughters. This suggests that mothers’ beliefs about the HPV vaccine play a major role in their decision to vaccinate their daughters.

Subjective norms

Subjective norms refer to mothers’ perceptions of the social pressure to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Mothers who believe that other important people in their lives, such as their spouses, family members, and healthcare providers, approve of vaccination are more likely to intend to vaccinate their daughters.

The study by Askelson et al. found that mothers who perceived greater social pressure to vaccinate their daughters were more likely to intend to vaccinate their daughters. This suggests that social norms play an important role in mothers’ decisions about HPV vaccination.

Examples from the article

The following are examples from the article that support the responses to the above questions:

• “Attitudes were the strongest predictor of mothers’ intentions to vaccinate, but intentions were not high.” (Abstract)
• “Mothers’ risk perceptions, experience with STIs, and beliefs about the vaccine encouraging sexual activity were not related to intention.” (Abstract)
• “Mothers’ perceptions of the daughters’ risks for HPV were surprisingly low.” (Abstract)

Implications for practice

The findings of the study by Askelson et al. have important implications for practice. Specifically, the findings suggest that interventions designed to increase HPV vaccination rates should focus on changing mothers’ attitudes towards the HPV vaccine and increasing their perceptions of the social pressure to vaccinate their daughters.

Examples of interventions that could be used to achieve these goals include:

• Educational interventions that provide mothers with accurate information about the HPV vaccine and its benefits
• Social marketing interventions that promote HPV vaccination as a socially desirable behavior
• Peer support interventions that connect mothers with other mothers who have vaccinated their daughters against HPV

Conclusion

The TPB is a useful framework for understanding the factors that influence mothers’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Interventions designed to increase HPV vaccination rates should focus on changing mothers’ attitudes towards the HPV vaccine and increasing their perceptions of the social pressure to vaccinate their daughters.