Knowledge, attitudes and barriers for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines among Malaysian women.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 Malaysian women in the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in a selected hospital in Bangi, Selangor to determine the level of knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines, attitudes toward HPV vaccination and barriers of being vaccinated. Factors associated with knowledge and attitudes were also addressed with a questionnaire. Seventy eight women (26%) had heard about the HPV virus and 65 about HPV vaccines (21.7%). Marital status was associated significantly with awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine (p=0.002, p=0.002; respectively), in addition to level of education (p=0.042). The percentages of women who reported correct answers for the questions on knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine ranged from 12% to 25%. One hundred fifty nine respondents (53%) had a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination. Age, marital status, and level of education were associated significantly with attitude (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002; respectively). The most important barriers reported were 'unawareness of the vaccine' 'concerned about side effects' and 'afraid of needles'. This study found a very low level of knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine. Education of population is highly recommended and barriers to being vaccinated should be dealt with seriously.
International Medical School, Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia. samidobaie@yahoo.com
Sami Abdo Radman
SA
Al-Dubai
Mustafa Ahmed
MA
Alshagga
Redhwan Ahmed
RA
Al-Naggar
Karim
K
Al-Jashamy
Mohammed Faez
MF
Baobaid
Chua Pie
CP
Tuang
Samiah Yasmin
SY
Abd Kadir
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D017533:Marital Status; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D055815:Young Adult
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines