Abstract

Background and Objectives: HPV vaccination is critical for cervical cancer prevention, but HPV vaccination coverage stays low among young women in China. While various factors shaping vaccination willingness have been explored, the role of personality traits remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the relationships between Big Five personality traits and three facets of HPV vaccination willingness (consideration, determination, recommendation) among female healthcare undergraduates. We also specifically examined whether academic major moderated the association between extraversion and vaccination willingness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 703 female undergraduates enrolled in healthcare majors at a medical college in Chengdu using a stratified cluster sampling method. Data were collected via online questionnaires, including the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) and a scale measuring three motivational facets of HPV vaccination willingness: consideration, determination and recommendation. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to examine the research questions. Results: A total of 672 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Distinct associations were found between personality dimensions and each facet of vaccination willingness. Agreeableness (β = 0.193, p < 0.01) and openness (β = 0.079, p < 0.05) correlated with vaccination consideration (ΔR2 = 0.061). Extraversion (β = 0.103, p < 0.05), agreeableness (β = 0.113, p < 0.01) and conscientiousness (β = 0.096, p < 0.05) correlated with determination (ΔR2 = 0.049). Extraversion (β = 0.125, p < 0.01), agreeableness (β = 0.129, p < 0.01), conscientiousness (β = 0.102, p < 0.01) and neuroticism (β = 0.081, p < 0.05) were positively related to recommendation willingness (ΔR2 = 0.061). Academic major did not exert a significant moderating effect. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity of the relationships between personality traits and vaccination attitudes and behaviors. While the observed associations were modest in magnitude, this study provides preliminary empirical evidence that may inform personality-sensitive HPV vaccination promotion strategies. Tailored, multi-dimensional interventions that consider diverse population characteristics could be considered to optimize HPV vaccination outreach, though their effectiveness awaits further validation.

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