An Intervention for HPV Risk Reduction Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: An Exploratory Study with College-Aged Women

The goal of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a group intervention in reducing risks of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) among college-aged women. Using a randomized design, the study examined the effectiveness of an HPV educational group intervention guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. The intervention was provided in a standard group format consisting of a single session. Measures were completed prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month later. Consistent with predictions, the intervention was successful at increasing knowledge, behavioral intentions, HPV information-seeking, and HIV testing, and these changes were maintained over a one-month interval. Modest increases in attitudes toward risk-reduction behaviors and subjective norms were obtained immediately after the intervention, but not at follow-up. The intervention was not successful at creating increases in perceived social norms or in reducing several risk behaviors (e.g., new sexual partners, using barrier contraceptives, discussing sexually transmitted infections with partners, or receiving HPV vaccine). These findings do provide some empirical support for a brief one-time educational intervention in reducing several HPV risk factors.