Analysis of the influencing factors of female college students' cognition of cervical cancer and willingness to pay for HPV vaccination under the Bayesian framework

Background This study aims to provide scientific support for the study and evaluation of the understanding and assessment of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine and the need of HPV vaccination. Methods A group of female students in a medical university were studied by questionnaire, and then applied Test to examine the association of different factors, and to further analyze the influencing factors of female college students willingness to pay for HPV vaccination through multivariate Logistic regression and Bayesian regression model. Results In the participating sample of 428 female college students, most (96.26%) said they had heard of cervical cancer; 39.49% of participants recognized that the leading cause of cervical cancer was viral infection. Of the 394 students who were aware of the HPV vaccine, up to 89.09% expressed a willingness to get the HPV vaccine at their own expense. The analysis revealed that the influencing factors were: students major, age, and consent to HPV vaccination more freely [the posterior mean was 0.69 (0.25 ~ 1.15), -0.60 (-1.01~ -0.18), and-0.34 (-0.70~ -0.01)]. Conclusion The female college students in medical schools are insufficient in the knowledge of cervical cancer and related HPV vaccines. It is suggested to strengthen relevant health education, deepen students correct understanding and value understanding of HPV vaccines, and guide them to make choices conducive to their own health.