| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common but preventable sexually transmitted infections that affect males and females but knowledge about it and vaccine uptake remain low. As organizations adopt eHealth communication strategies to communicate about HPV, this study examines the association between eHealth literacy (and related elements) and the motivators for HPV prevention that are based on the protection motivation theory. A survey was conducted among 472 young adults in Kenya and results show moderate eHealth literacy (M = 3.21, SD = 1.03) and online information seeking (M = 3.57, SD = 1.08) but low HPV knowledge and risk perception. eHealth literacy was correlated with HPV knowledge, perceived risk, self-efficacy, and response efficacy whereas online health information seeking were correlated with perceived seriousness of HPV infection. This study suggests examining the discrepancy between online information seeking and knowledge and the disparities in eHealth literacy among young adults in HPV communication. |
