JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

More than 90% of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers could be prevented by widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine. Yet vaccine use in the United States falls short of public health goals.

Objective:

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to describe development, acceptability, and intention to use a mobile application (app) Vaccipack, designed to promote uptake and completion of the adolescent HPV vaccine series.

Methods:

Methods:

Development of the mobile health (mHealth) content was based on the Integrated Model of Behavior (IBM). The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), was used to guide the app usability evaluation. App design utilized an iterative process involving providers and potential users who were parents and adolescents. App functions included vaccine tracking, a discussion forum, and stories with embedded messages to promote intention to vaccinate. Parents and adolescents completed surveys before and after introducing the app in a pediatric primary care setting with low HPV vaccination rates.

Results:

Results:

Fifty-four participants (34 parents and 20 adolescents (11-14 years)) completed surveys. Notably, 75% of adolescents and 88% of parents intended to use the app in the next 2 weeks. Acceptability was high among both groups with 88% of parents and 75% of adolescents indicating Vaccipack was easy to use, and 82% of parents and 85% of adolescents and perceiving the app would be beneficial. Higher levels of app acceptability were found among parents with strong intentions to use the app, (P=.085, CI: -2.15; .15)

Conclusions:

Conclusions MHealth technology, such as Vaccipack, may be an acceptable and nimble platform to provide information to parents and adolescents and advance uptake of important vaccines.