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Background: Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with economically disadvantaged women at highest risk. The new HPV vaccine, which is safe and effective, has great potential to reduce this cancer burden. However, disparate attitudes toward the vaccine have emerged, potentially limiting widespread uptake. Therefore, there is a need to further examine motivations for vaccine initiation especially among those most at risk. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we examined potential predictors of vaccination intent. Aims: To analyze the relationship between three social cognitive factors (attitudes, norms, and perceived control) regarding the HPV vaccine and intention to get the HPV vaccine among females with no insurance or on medical assistance aged 15-26 years from an urban community. Methods: Participants were recruited from a prenatal/family planning clinic to complete a pencil and paper survey. We assessed intention to begin the HPV vaccine series in the next 12 months with a single 5-point Likert-type question; higher score indicated higher intent to begin the vaccine series. We assessed the three theoretical predictor variables – attitudes, norms, and perceived control using 5-point Likert-type responses. High scores indicated, respectively, more positive attitude towards, more favorable norms around, and increased perceived control over starting the vaccine series. We also collected sexual behavior history (e.g. age at first intercourse), pregnancy and STI history and demographic information (occupation, education, living situation). General linear modeling was used to regress intention to begin the HPV vaccine series based on attitudes, norms, and control, while adjusting for prognostic covariates. Separate models were generated for each of the predictors of interest due to their significantly high correlation. Results: Thirty-four sexually active females participated, with mean intention score 3.59/5 (SD 1.2). Intention and each theoretical predictor variable showed high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.81-0.96).Women who were unemployed, were younger at first sex, had a history of STI, or a history of smoking had significantly higher intent to vaccinate. Stepwise general linear modeling with adjustment for these covariates showed that attitudes, norms, and perceived control over HPV vaccination were each highly significant independent predictors of intent, as was a history of tobacco use (all models) and history of STI (control model only) (all p<0.001). Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that the Theory of Planned Behavior holds true for urban, economically disadvantaged young women's intent to begin the HPV vaccination series. Further exploration is warranted using a larger sample, and trials of new interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this population should consider the role of attitudes, norms, and perceived control in their design.