Comparative study of generative AI and conventional learning methods for improving HPV awareness and vaccination intent among adults in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

This study explores the comparative effectiveness of four educational tools: Generative AI using ChatGPT, Internet Search, printed Booklets, and Visual Storytelling, in improving awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and increasing interest in vaccination among adults in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh. A total of 339 participants, aged 18 to 45, were selected through stratified random sampling with equal representation by gender and location. Each participant was placed in one of the four groups and used the assigned tool for two weeks. Before and after the intervention, HPV knowledge was assessed with a 19-question multiple-choice test, and vaccination intent was measured with a yes-or-no question. Participants also rated the tools for usability and usefulness on a five-point scale. Data analysis using Python showed a significant increase in HPV knowledge, rising from 43.27% to 72.09%. The ChatGPT and Internet Search groups achieved the highest knowledge scores, while Booklets and Visual Storytelling showed lower but still positive effects. Vaccination intent rose from 8.55% to 61.36%, with the Internet Search and Visual Storytelling groups showing the largest gains. ChatGPT and Internet Search were rated as the most useful tools for increasing HPV knowledge, while Visual Storytelling was found to be particularly effective in motivating participants to consider getting the HPV vaccine, even though it contributed less to knowledge gain scores. These findings suggest that combining knowledge-focused and motivation-focused digital tools may offer a more effective strategy for promoting HPV vaccination. Tailoring educational interventions to balance informational content with emotional engagement can enhance both understanding and intent to act, particularly in resource-constrained settings where traditional outreach methods may fall short.