Abstract preview

Introduction: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young women with regards to cervical cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study among female students of a tertiary institute in Singapore.

Results: A total of 258 questionnaires were completed and formed the basis of the analysis. 238 (92.3%) of the total participants were of the age group 15-22 years. 255 (98.8%) participants were unmarried and 243 (94.2%) never had sexual intercourse. Only 25 (9.7%) of the women had undergone vaccination. Amongst the participants that did not receive vaccination, intention to consider vaccination was present in 134 (57.5%) of them and 62% of them cited lack of information as the major barrier. Knowledge regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was also assessed and graded with a maximum score of 14. Knowledge was found to be low with a median score of 7.5. There is a significant association between HPV vaccination uptake and where they first heard about the vaccination. (p=0.007) Vaccinated subjects tended to first hear about it from their relatives and friends (60% vs 25.3%)

Conclusion: There is poor uptake of HPV vaccination amongst Singapore’s susceptible youth and poor knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccination. Public health education on HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccination is still needed and has to be targeted not just at the subjects but also at their family and friends.

Keywords: Primary care, Vaccination, Cervical Cancer

Knowledge, Attitudes And Practice Of Cervical Cancer Vaccination Among Young Women Attending A Tertiary Institution In Singapore