Publication: The relationship between parental knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and their attitudes and intentions towards vaccinating their sons with hpv vaccine in secondary schools in Gombak, Selangor
Date
2025-08
Authors
Ramle, Hajar Izzati
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Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern globally, affecting both men and women and contributing to various types of cancers. Despite the availability of HPV vaccines in Malaysia, immunisation efforts predominantly target adolescent girls, leaving boys unprotected and contributing to gender disparities in HPV prevention. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between parental knowledge of HPV infection and attitudes toward vaccinating their adolescent sons in secondary schools in Gombak, Selangor. A total of 315 parents participated in the study through self-administered questionnaires adapted from validated scales (GK23 and HABS). The results revealed that only 28.87% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV infection, while 38.7% had poor knowledge. Parental attitudes varied, with concerns noted regarding vaccine safety, lack of communication on sexual health, and misinformation. Statistically significant associations were found between higher parental knowledge and more positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, as well as between positive attitudes and willingness to vaccinate. The findings underscore the urgent need for inclusive public health policies, targeted educational interventions, and gender-neutral HPV vaccination strategies to enhance vaccine uptake and reduce HPV-related disease burden among Malaysian males.