The Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, proudly congratulates Qiufeng Liu on the successful defence of her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis entitled “Development and Evaluation of a Social Media-Based HPV Vaccine Promotion Program for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China.”
Thesis Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), who experience a disproportionately high burden of HPV-related diseases. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake among MSM in China remain suboptimal. Recognising the growing influence of digital platforms on health communication, Qiufeng Liu developed and evaluated an innovative social media-based intervention to address this gap.
Guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) model, the study designed a WeChat-based HPV Vaccine Promotion Program (HPVVP) tailored specifically for MSM in mainland China. The intervention was developed through a rigorous process involving qualitative research, iterative content refinement, and user testing before being evaluated through a randomised controlled trial.
The study demonstrated that the HPVVP significantly improved HPV vaccine acceptability among participants immediately after the intervention. The programme effectively enhanced vaccine-related knowledge, strengthened positive social norms, improved self-efficacy, and reduced perceived barriers to vaccination. Importantly, the findings highlighted the potential of theory-driven, digital health interventions to promote preventive healthcare behaviours among underserved populations.
Highlights of the Candidate’s Achievements
Qiufeng Liu’s doctoral research represents a substantial contribution to the fields of public health, behavioural science, digital health promotion, and vaccine acceptance research. Her achievements include:
- Successfully developing a theory-based HPV vaccine promotion programme tailored for MSM in China.
- Conducting comprehensive qualitative research to identify barriers and facilitators influencing HPV vaccination decisions.
- Designing and implementing a large-scale randomised controlled trial involving 684 participants.
- Demonstrating the effectiveness of a social media-delivered intervention in improving HPV vaccine acceptability.
- Identifying key behavioural mechanisms, including knowledge, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers, that mediate vaccine decision-making.
- Providing evidence supporting the feasibility and scalability of digital health interventions delivered through widely used social media platforms.
- Generating valuable insights into vaccine hesitancy among MSM, particularly regarding healthcare provider recommendations, perceptions of personal risk, and concerns about sexuality disclosure.
The successful completion of this research reflects exceptional dedication, methodological rigour, and a strong commitment to addressing important public health challenges affecting vulnerable populations.
Contribution to Public Health
This doctoral research has important implications for public health practice and policy. By leveraging social media technology, the HPV Vaccine Promotion Program offers an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable approach to increasing HPV vaccine awareness and acceptance among populations that may face social, structural, or healthcare-related barriers.
The study contributes to global efforts aimed at reducing HPV-related diseases and cancers through improved vaccine uptake. Furthermore, it provides a practical framework for future digital health interventions targeting marginalised communities, demonstrating how behavioural theory and technology can be integrated to support evidence-based health promotion strategies.
The findings also offer valuable guidance for healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health practitioners seeking innovative approaches to improve vaccination coverage and health equity in diverse populations.
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Qiufeng Liu’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Wong Li Ping and Dr. Lim Sin How, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Huachun Zou, Fudan University, China, and Professor Dr. Eric P. F. Chow, Monash University, Australia, the External Examiners, as well as Dr. Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh, the Internal Examiner.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Lai Siew Mei Pauline, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and all members who contributed to the successful conduct of the examination.
Congratulations and Future Expectations
The successful defence of this thesis marks a significant milestone in Qiufeng Liu’s academic journey and reflects years of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and scholarly excellence. Her work addresses a critical public health issue and provides innovative solutions with the potential to benefit underserved populations both within China and beyond.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Qiufeng Liu on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her research and future contributions to public health, health promotion, vaccine advocacy, and digital health innovation.
Once again, congratulations on the successful completion of your Doctor of Philosophy degree.
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