Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Private University Students- Malaysia Perspective

Abstract

Objective: Assess and analyse the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of university students regarding HPV and<br />its vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed with questionnaire serving as the research instrument.<br />A total of 425 university students were recruited voluntarily. Thirteen assessable questions were analysed to reveal<br />the mean total knowledge score of HPV and its vaccine. Both descriptive and statistical approach were employed<br />to analyse the research outcomes. Results: Students were moderately aware as 59.8% and 49.6% have heard about<br />HPV and its vaccine, respectively. The mean total knowledge score was 5.26 ± 3.10 out of 13 which was found to be<br />moderately knowledgeable. Female (N= 235) have a significantly higher mean knowledge score in comparison to male<br />(N= 190) at 5.58 ± 2.80 versus 4.87 ± 3.40, respectively (p<0.05), likely due to the disease profiles favouring female.<br />As hypothesised, health-related school students (N= 171) outperformed other schools (N= 254) at 7.00 ± 2.95 versus<br />4.10 ± 2.62, respectively (p<0.001). In general, the score depends on participant's gender and educational background<br />(χ2= 25.426, peducational talk refinement are therefore essential in controlling the disease by spreading awareness.