Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a brief attitudes and beliefs toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination instrument in college students.
Design: Cross-sectional, observational study.
Sample: Eighty-six nursing students.
Measurements: The Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination was used to test the reliability (Cronbach's alpha), homogeneity (item-analyses), and validity (factor analysis and correlations).
Results: The reliability of this 8-item instrument was supported by a Cronbach's alpha of .854. Item homogeneity was supported by coefficients for all items > .30. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations of attitudes and beliefs assessed by this instrument to attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control assessed by different instruments (all ps < .001). Construct validity was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (all factor loadings ≥ .40). Predictive validity was supported by a significant relationship of attitudes and beliefs to completion of the vaccination (p < .001).
Conclusions: The Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Questionnaire was a reliable and valid instrument. This short instrument can be used to assess and improve attitudes and beliefs toward HPV vaccination, and, in turn, to facilitate the completion of the vaccination.
Keywords: HPV; attitudes; human papillomavirus; reliability and validity; vaccination.
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