Knowledge, attitude and practice toward human papilloma virus infection and vaccination among UiTM students

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and cancers especially cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination is given as the primary prevention. The administration of HPV vaccine is the most effective vaccination in the adolescent girl especially before they have sexual activity. This study was conducted to measure the level of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination among students in UiTM, to identify the sources of information used by students to get the HPV information, to determine the factors associated with their knowledge, attitudes and practice toward HPV vaccination, and to know the current practice of HPV vaccination among students. This cross-sectional study was conducted in UiTM Puncak Alam campus by using 40-item self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. The level of knowledge among respondents was fairly knowledgeable with median total score of 7 and inter-quartile range of 6. Most of the respondents used internet (25.2%) and school education (25.2%) to get the HPV information. The associated factor was found to be between level of knowledge and faculty. Overall, the level of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination among UiTM Puncak Alam campus was fairly knowledgeable. Thus, efforts to improve knowledge and awareness should be prioritised to increase the uptake of HPV vaccination programme and hence reduce the morbidity and mortality from the consequence of HPV infection including cervical carcinoma.