Knowledge, Perception and Attitude Towards Human Papillomavirus among Pre-university Students in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the knowledge, perception and attitudes towards human papilloma virus (HPV) among pre-university students in Malaysia. Study design : In this cross sectional study, between November 2013 to March 2014, in a public university, a convenient sampling method was used. A total of 716 respondents were recruited and interviewed with a set of standard questionnaires for assessment of knowledge, perception and attitudes towards HPV and predictor variables associated with level of knowledge. Results: Almost half (48.9%) of the respondents scored less than 5 and were categorised as having poor knowledge. Three hundred and twelve (43.6%) respondents had moderate knowledge and only 54 (7.5%) respondents exhibited good knowledge with the score of 11 and above. Only 142 (20%) students perceived themselves to be vulnerable to HPV infection though 560 (78.2%) students thought that HPV infection is a serious disease. Perceived benefits and desire to be vaccinated were significantly associated with gender (p=0.000) and knowledge of HPV vaccine and cervical cancer (p=0.000). Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding HPV among the pre-university students was low. However, student intention for vaccination increased with increasing level of knowledge. Thus, efforts to improve knowledge and awareness should be prioritised to increase uptake of the HPV vaccination programme and hence reduce morbidity and mortality from consequences of HPV infection, including cervical carcinoma.

Assessment on Knowledge Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Mahsa University Students

“…There was moderate knowledge mean score seen in this study which was similarly noted among pre-university students [1 ]. Most of the students (76.4%) knew the purpose of HPV vaccination which is similar to the other two studies conducted in Malaysia with 67.9% and 73.2%, respectively [1,10].…”

“…Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive system, and it is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases [1,2]. Approximately 99% of the cervical cancer cases are contributed by HPV infection [3].…”

Impact of human papilloma virus vaccination on adolescent knowledge, perception of sexual risk and need for safer sexual behaviors in Bali, Indonesia

“…Their awareness and understanding of basic HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge is a very important part of the preventive strategies. In general, published reports from many countries shown that there is a significant deficiency in HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge among adolescents . It may be due to lack of effective education or counseling by the family, society, or health‐care professionals.…”

“…In general, published reports from many countries shown that there is a significant deficiency in HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge among adolescents. [5][6][7][8] It may be due to lack of effective education or counseling by the family, society, or health-care professionals. In addition to the poor knowledge, some studies also reported that adolescents have low perception of risk, that is, they perceived themselves as not being vulnerable to HPV infection or other sexually transmitted infections (STI).…”

“…In addition to the poor knowledge, some studies also reported that adolescents have low perception of risk, that is, they perceived themselves as not being vulnerable to HPV infection or other sexually transmitted infections (STI). 5,9 The HPV vaccination may provide a key opportunity to improve adolescent knowledge and to raise awareness on the risk of HPV infection and the need for preventive actions. Vaccination is associated with increased awareness and better knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine among adolescents.…”