Perception, knowledge and attitude towards Human Papilloma Virus infection and vaccination for cervical cancer prevention among university students
Mohamad Nasir SHAFIEE 1, 2, Kah Teik CHEW 1, Nirmala KAMPAN 1, Pei Shan LIM 1, Mohd Hashim OMAR 1, NurAzurah GHANI 1, Ahmad Hatta MOHD DALI 1
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Human Development, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major factor for cervical cancer. However, routine HPV vaccination to combat the disease is not widely available in most developing countries, and the uptake is poor. Lack of knowledge or awareness may be a factor. This study assessed the perception, knowledge and attitude of university students toward HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey among 826 students using a validated questionnaire was conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The convenience sampling technique was used to recruits study subjects. The knowledge score was categorised into poor (score ≤5), moderate (score 6-10) and good (score 11-15). Results: Sixty-eight percent were aware that persistent HPV infection can lead cervical cancer and 76% had heard about HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. Female students were aware of the role of HPV vaccine against cervical cancer compared to their counterparts (41% vs. 28%, p<0.001). The pool mean total knowledge score was 8.03 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]; 7.83-8.24). Although only 12% of the students perceived themselves as at risk of HPV infection, only 55% had an intention to receive HPV vaccination. Of those who declined HPV vaccination, 36% worried about the side effects, and 28% doubted on its effectiveness. Female students had significantly higher acceptability towards HPV vaccine compared to male (39% vs. 16%, p=0.001). Intention to receive HPV vaccine was significantly correlated with the scores for awareness and knowledge of HPV vaccination, student’s perception on their susceptibility and seriousness of HPV infection. Conclusion: The perception and knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination for cervical cancer prevention was unimpressive. This greatly will contribute to diminish acceptability for the vaccination.
Keywords: Cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus, vaccination, knowledge
Correspondence author: Mohamad SHAFIEE, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UKM Medical Centre, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +603-91455949, Fax: +60391738946
E mail:nasirshafiee@hotmail.com
Brunei Int Med J. 2013; 9 (5): 315-324