JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

This manuscript describes a study assessing the feasibility of using a theory-driven animated video and online interactive game to help children participate in discussions about their health - in particular when such conversations center around the HPV vaccination – and improve several HPV-related outcomes. The study also compares the effects of these two educational multimedia materials on children’s knowledge and perceptions of HPV prevention. While previous studies have focused on the development of messages to educate children about the HPV virus and the existence of the HPV vaccine, limited research is available on how to help children better communicate with their parents and physicians about the HPV vaccination. Also, limited research is available on the target audience of this study (Italian children). A mixed-method approach consisting of focus group discussions and an experiment was used to understand children’s experiences with and perceptions of the animated video and the game, and to measure possible improvements resulting from children’s interaction with these materials. This study shows that both materials were effective for improving children’s knowledge and perceptions about the HPV vaccine and to help them feel more comfortable and willing to communicate with their parents and physicians about their health. Several elements emerged that will allow to further improve the design and development of the messages employed in this study as well as the creation of future campaigns.an