Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of a hypothetical HIV vaccine and to identify the psychosocial determinants of the intention of receiving HIV immunization, based upon Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Of the 136 young adults surveyed, 120 (88%) had a moderate to high intention to receive the HIV vaccine. A logistic regression was performed and two psychosocial factors from the TPB were significant predictors of the young adults’ intention of getting HIV immunization: their attitude towards getting HIV immunization (OR = 4.80, CI 95% = 2.08;13.05) and the perceived behavioural control of getting HIV immunization (OR = 2.52, CI 95% = 1.17;6.05). These results show that HIV immunization is well accepted by young adults. This finding is particularly relevant because the effectiveness of HIV immunization programs will depend on an individual’s acceptance of this vaccine. Also, our results suggest that psychosocial determinants can influence a young adult’s decision to receive the HIV vaccine once it becomes available.
Résumé
Cette étude avait pour objectifs d’évaluer l’intention de recevoir un éventuel vaccin contre le VIH et d’identifier les déterminants psychosociaux de cette intention selon la théorie du comportement planifié (TCP) d’Ajzen. Parmi les 136 jeunes adultes interrogés, 120 (88 %) avaient une intention forte ou modérée de recevoir un vaccin contre le VIH. La régression logistique effectuée a démontré que deux variables de la TCP prédisaient significativement l’intention: l’attitude envers le fait de recevoir le vaccin (RC = 4,80, IC 95 % = 2,08;13,05) et la perception du contrôle sur le fait de recevoir le vaccin (RC = 2,52, IC 95 % = 1,17;6,05). Cette étude démontre que les jeunes adultes sont favorables à l’immunisation contre le VIH. Ce résultat est particulièrement important puisque l’efficacité des programmes d’immunisation contre le VIH dépendra de l’acceptabilité du vaccin pour les individus. De plus, nos résultats indiquent que les facteurs psychosociaux peuvent influencer l’intention des jeunes adultes de recevoir un éventuel vaccin contre le VIH.
Footnotes
This study was funded in part by a research grant from the Conseil Québécois de la Recherche Sociale (CQRS: RS-3390).
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