Abstract
Organized introduction of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can reduce the burden of cervical cancer in developing countries. One of the most effective ways is through a national school-based program. Information on teachers is therefore important since this group may have a disproportionate influence in the success of any implementation. To assess teachers' knowledge and perception of HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine prior to commencing a school-based HPV vaccination program in a multiethnic, predominantly Muslim country. Factors associated with acceptability of the vaccine were identified. A bilingual questionnaire was applied to 1,500 secondary school teachers from 20 urban schools in Malaysia. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17. 1,166 questionnaires were returned. From this group, 46.1% had never heard of HPV while 50.9% had never had a pap smear. However, 73.8% have heard of the HPV vaccine with 75% agreeing to have it. 96% considered themselves religious with 79.8% agreeing to have the vaccine. A national school-based HPV immunization program can be implemented effectively in a multiethnic, cultural and religious country despite limited knowledge of HPV-related pathology among teachers. In addition, the perception that religion has a negative influence on such a program is unwarranted.
Highlights
Organized introduction of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can reduce the burden of cervical cancer in developing countries
To assess teachers’ knowledge and perception of HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine prior to commencing a school-based HPV vaccination program in a multiethnic, SUHGRPLQDQWO\0XVOLPFRXQWU\)DFWRUVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKDFFHSWDELOLW\RIWKHYDFFLQHZHUHLGHQWLÀHGMethod: A bilingual questionnaire was applied to 1,500 secondary school teachers from 20 urban schools in Malaysia
46.1% had never heard of HPV while 50.9% had never had a pap smear
Summary
More than 80% of women dying from cervical cancer are from the developing world. This accounts for 13% of female cancers in these countries (Globocan, 2012). Organized HPV vaccination has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of newly diagnosed genital warts and high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among those vaccinated (Brotherton et al, 2011; Smith et al, 2011). This supports the notion that cervical cancer can be reduced through HPV vaccination. A potential strategy to reduce the burden of cervical cancer is through a structured HPV vaccination program, in countries where organized cervical screening does not exist
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