Open AccessUtilizing Theories and Evaluation in Digital Gaming Interventions to Increase Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Males: Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Gabrielle Darville,
Jade Burns,
Tanaka Chavanduka,
Charkarra Anderson-Lewis
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jmir serious games
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2291-9279
DOI - 10.2196/21303
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , reproductive health , popularity , hpv infection , vaccination , health promotion , cervical cancer , medicine , health communication , intervention (counseling) , health belief model , behavior change , promotion (chess) , psychology , family medicine , public health , social psychology , environmental health , population , immunology , cancer , nursing , political science , communication , politics , law
Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV attributes to most cancers including anal, oral, cervical, and penile. Despite infection rates in the United States, recommendations and communication campaigns have traditionally focused on females. Because of this, males lack knowledge about reasons for vaccination, the benefits of being vaccinated, and their HPV risk, overall. Gaming as a health education strategy can be beneficial as mechanism that can promote behavior change for this key demographic because of the popularity of gaming. Objective We sought to explore the relationship between gamification and HPV vaccine uptake. Methods Interviews were conducted with experts (n=22) in the fields of cancer prevention, sexual and reproductive health, public health, game design, technology, and health communication on how a game should be developed to increase HPV vaccination rates among males. Results Overwhelmingly, theoretical models such as the health belief model were identified with key constructs such as self-efficacy and risk perception. Experts also suggested using intervention mapping and logic models as planning tools for health promotion interventions utilizing a digital game as a medium. In game and out of game measures were discussed as assessments for quality and impact by our expert panel. Conclusions This study shows that interventions should focus on whether greater utilization of serious games, and the incorporation of theory and standardized methods, can encourage young men to get vaccinated and to complete the series of HPV vaccinations.