Knowledge, Decision-Making and Acceptance of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination among Parents of Primary School Students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal Of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
Published:
Abstract

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in younger women remains high. This is worrisome as it affects future generations. Therefore Malaysia implements human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination as a national vaccination program. Parents play an important role in determining the success of this HPV vaccination program among schoolaged girls by their compliance.

Objective: To assess parental knowledge, decision-making and acceptance of HPV vaccination.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected parents of primary school students aged 11 in Kota Bharu using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and decision-making with regard to HPV vaccination.

Results: Most parents (62%) were shown to have poor knowledge while most decision-making was shared. Age of respondents (adjusted odds ratio ‘AOR’= 1.09; 95% confidence interval ‘CI’= 1.04-1.14; p <0.001) and good knowledge of HPV vaccination (AOR= 16.32; 95% CI= 7.32-36.4; p <0.001) were significantly associated with HPV vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion: The majority of parents exhibited poor knowledge which may affect their decision-making and uptake of HPV vaccination among their children. This highlights the need to better educate parents on HPV vaccination.

Authors
Mastura Mohd Sopian, Juwita Shaaban, Siti Mohd Yusoff, Wan Mohd Wan Mohamad
Relevant Conditions

Cervical Cancer