Knowledge and Attitudes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Secondary School Students in Selangor, Malaysia
Knowledge and Attitudes of HPV Vaccinations
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a significant cause of female mortality in Malaysia, primarily linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To address this, the Malaysian government launched a HPV vaccination program targeting secondary school students. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and attitude toward HPV vaccination and its association with demographics as a determinant among Malaysian secondary school students. A survey study using random sampling was conducted for 182 secondary school students in Selangor between the aged 13-17 years old. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. The students demonstrated moderate knowledge (M=3.75, SD=.85) and generally positive attitudes (M=3.48, SD=3.57) towards HPV vaccination. Gender (χ2=6.39, p=.011), ethnicity (χ2=6.57, p=.037), religion (χ2=15.51, p=.004), and age (χ2=12.61, p=.013) were statistically significant factors affecting knowledge. Gender (χ2=8.44, p=.004) and family income (χ2=11.63, p=.040) significantly influenced attitudes. The Malaysian national HPV immunisation program has been effective, but improvements are needed. These include adopting a gender-neutral approach, educating parents to foster positive attitudes, and promoting acceptance of HPV vaccination. Strategies like introducing sexual education and collaboration with the Ministry of Health School Health Unit (UKS) are vital for enhancing public awareness and understanding of HPV vaccination.
Keywords :
Attitude,
Human Papillomavirus,
HPV,
knowledge,
school student,
Abstrak
Kanser serviks merupakan penyebab yang signifikan terhadap kematian wanita di Malaysia dan berkait dengan jangkitan Human Papilloma virus (HPV). Dalam menangani isu ini, kerajaan Malaysia telah melancarkan program vaksinasi HPV yang mensasarkan pelajar sekolah menengah. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji tahap pengetahuan dan sikap terhadap vaksinasi HPV and kaitannya terhadap demografik sebagai penentu dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah di Malaysia. Kajian tinjauan yang menggunakan persampelan rawak telah dijalankan terhadap 182 orang pelajar sekolah menengah di Selangor berumur di antara 13-17 tahun. Borang soal-selidik yang telah disahkan digunakan untuk mengutip data demografik, tahap pengetahuan, dan sikap terhadap vaksinasi HPV. Pelajar mempamerkan tahap pengetahuan yang memuaskan (M=3.75, SD=.85) dan sikap yang positif (M=3.48, SD=3.57) terhadap vaksinasi HPV. Ujian χ2 menunjukkan jantina (χ2=6.39, p=.011), etnik (χ2=6.57, p=.037), agama (χ2=15.51, p=.004), dan umur (χ2=12.61, p=.013) merupakan faktor yang signifikan dalam mempengaruhi tahap pengetahuan manakala jantina (χ2=8.44, p=.004) dan pendapatan keluarga (χ2=11.63, p=.040) mempengaruhi sikap secara signifikan. Program imunisasi kebangsaan HPV adalah efektif, namun penambahbaikan diperlukan. Ini termasuk mengadaptasi pendekatan secara gender-neutral, mendidik ibubapa dan mempromosikan penerimaan vaksinasi HPV. Strategi seperti memperkenalkan pendidikan seksual dan kerjasama di antara Unit Kesiharan Sekolah Kementerian Kesihatan (UKS) adalah penting dalam meningkatkan kesedaran dan pemahaman terhadap vaksinasi HPV dalam kalangan masyarakat.
Kata Kunci :
HPV,
human papilloma virus,
pengetahuan,
pelajar sekolah,
sikap,
Correspondance Address
Muhamad Nur Fariduddin bin Abdul Aziz. Department of Physical & Health Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: +603-32584920 Email: fariduddin@uitm.edu.my
