Factors Associated with Adolescents’ Intention to Participate in School-Based HPV Prevention Campaigns in Colombia: Implications for School-Based HPV Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Despite the availability of safe and highly effective human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, vaccination coverage remains below global targets in many low- and middle-income countries. School-based HPV prevention campaigns represent a promising strategy to promote adolescent engagement in preventive health behaviors; however, little is known about the factors of adolescents’ intention to participate in these initiatives, particularly in Latin America. This study aimed to identify factors of adolescents’ intention to participate in a school-based HPV prevention campaign in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 adolescents aged 11–17 years. Sociodemographic characteristics, HPV-related knowledge, exposure to HPV-related information on social media, and intention to receive HPV vaccination were assessed as potential factors of participation. Associations with intention to participate were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Overall, 52.8% of adolescents reported an intention to participate in a school-based HPV prevention campaign. Exposure to HPV-related information on social media showed the strongest positive association with participation (aPR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.25–2.58), followed by accurate knowledge of the recommended age for HPV vaccination (aPR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.10–2.57), religious practice (aPR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.23–2.27), and intention to receive HPV vaccination (aPR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01–2.21). Conclusions: These findings identify factors associated with adolescents’ intention to participate in school-based HPV prevention campaigns. Integrating evidence-based digital communication with practical HPV education may inform strategies to promote adolescent engagement. Future studies should determine whether these factors predict actual participation and implementation outcomes.