Playing Game to Learn About Children's Vaccine Project

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study to Examine Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Game-based Intervention in Promoting HPV Vaccination Among Vulnerable Youth to Prevent Cancers

This proposed study aims to conduct timely research that promotes vaccine confidence and vaccination of one strongly recommended vaccine with suboptimal uptake rates: Human papillomavirus (HPV) in vulnerable and underserved youth aged 11-14.

The study objectives are:

Objective 1: Assess feasibility (participation rate, retention, involvement, satisfaction) of one game-based interventions targeting HPV vaccination.

Objective 2: Conduct a pilot RCT with three conditions (Arm 1: HPV game-based intervention; Arm 2: usual care). The investigators will explore patterns of pre- to post-intervention change in theoretical mediators and vaccine intent, and explore levels of vaccine intent and uptake in 90 parent-child dyads of unvaccinated youth aged 11-14.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child sample: (1) 11-14 years old, (2) speaks and reads English, (3) has never received any doses of the HPV vaccine, (4) is not currently enrolled in another project that involves HPV-related education, and (5) agrees and provides assent to participate in research activities.
• Parent sample: (1) parent or legal guardian of the participating child, (2) speak and read English, (3) own a smartphone, (4) agree to receive email and text messages, (5) is not currently enrolled in another project that involves HPV-related education, and (6) agree and provide consent to participate in research activities.

Exclusion Criteria: Individuals who do not meet inclusion criteria or refuse to provide consent/assent.