Table 4 Behavioural analysis of EDUCATE intervention using the Behaviour Change Wheel and the Behaviour Change Technique taxonomy

Increase uptake of the HPV vaccine

Limited knowledge and understanding about the HPV vaccine among young people

Persuasive content of educational package highlighting benefits to increase motivation to be vaccinated (e.g. case study of HPV-related cancer survivor)

Enablement (increasing means/reducing barriers to increase capability or opportunity)

4.1 Instruction on how to perform a behaviour

Lack of motivation and interest to be vaccinated

Clear, age-appropriate content within communication materials to ensure understanding

Education (increasing knowledge or understanding)

5.1 Information about health consequences

Fear of vaccination

Use of audio-visual communication materials in formats and styles appealing to young people

Persuasion (using communication to induce positive or negative feelings or stimulate action)

5.5 Anticipated regret

Lack of young people’s engagement with decision-making and consent process

Content focussed on increasing knowledge and motivation to be vaccinated through:

Environmental restructuring (changing the physical or social contact)

8.6 Generalisation of target behaviour

Explanation of how vaccines work, HPV, related illnesses, HPV vaccine & HPV vaccination programme

Examples of other young people, and their experiences of, receiving the HPV vaccine

9.2 Pros and cons

Suggest ‘coping strategies’ to young people to improve experience of having the vaccine

12.2 Restructuring the social environment

Provide a safe space to address young people’s concerns about receiving the HPV vaccine (e.g. side-effects, anticipated pain)

Provision of parental consent forms and clear instructions during educational session when motivation is highest

Educate / sign post young people about availability of vaccine in other settings