Does the Success of a School-based HPV Vaccine Programme Depend on Teachers’ Knowledge and Religion? - a Survey in a Multicultural Society

Organized introduction of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can reduce the burdenof cervical cancer in developing countries. One of the most effective ways is through a national school-basedprogram. Information on teachers is therefore important since this group may have a disproportionate influencein the success of any implementation.
Objective: To assess teachers’ knowledge and perception of HPV, cervicalcancer 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.
Method: Abilingual questionnaire was applied to 1,500 secondary school teachers from 20 urban schools in Malaysia. Datacollected were analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Results: 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 theHPV vaccine with 75% agreeing to have it. 96% considered themselves religious with 79.8% agreeing to havethe vaccine.
Conclusions: A national school-based HPV immunization program can be implemented effectivelyin a multiethnic, cultural and religious country despite limited knowledge of HPV-related pathology amongteachers. In addition, the perception that religion has a negative influence on such a program is unwarranted.