Abstract
Study Objective
To assess the knowledge and beliefs regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV
vaccine among girls before and after vaccination in the Malaysian HPV Immunisation
Programme.
Design
A nationwide longitudinal survey.
Setting
Thirty-two randomly selected schools from 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia
from February to March 2013, and October to November 2013.
Participants
Form One female students (13 years old).
Interventions
None.
Main Outcome Measures
Mean knowledge score of HPV infection.
Results
A total of 2644 students responded to the prevaccination survey, of whom 2005 (70%)
completed the postvaccination survey. The mean knowledge score was 2.72 (SD ± 2.20)
of a maximum score of 10 in the prevaccination survey, which increased significantly
to 3.33 (SD ± 1.73) after the 3 doses of HPV vaccine (P = .001). Many answered incorrectly that, “Only girls can get HPV infection” (91.5%,
n = 1841 prevaccination vs 96.1%, n = 1927 postvaccination), and only a few were aware
that, “Vaccinating boys helps to protect girls against HPV infection” (11.4%, n =
229 for prevaccination vs 10.2%, n = 206 for postvaccination). The mean knowledge
score was significantly higher postvaccination among higher-income families and those
with parents of a higher occupational status. Regarding beliefs about the HPV vaccine,
89.4% in the prevaccination survey held the view that they would not get a HPV infection,
and the percentage remained similar in the postvaccination survey. Perceived severity
of HPV infection also remained low in the pre- and postintervention groups. Only 21.5%
reported receiving health information about HPV along with the provision of the HPV
vaccine; those who received health information showed higher levels of knowledge.
Conclusion
Findings revealed a general lack of knowledge and erroneous beliefs about HPV and
the HPV vaccine even after receiving vaccination. This suggests that imparting accurate
knowledge about HPV along with vaccine administration is essential. Specifically,
girls from lower socioeconomic groups should be a target of educational intervention.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 02, 2018
Footnotes
The authors indicate no conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc.
