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. 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.