Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and oncogenic HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. However, HPV vaccination is already available as the primary preventive method against cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of HPV vaccination among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Malaya (UM) students. This study was conducted from March until August 2009. Pre-tested and validated questionnaires were filled by the third year UKM (n=156) and UM (n=149) students from medical, dentistry and pharmacy faculties. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge on HPV infection, cervical cancer and its prevention among respondents was high and the majority of them had positive attitude towards HPV vaccination. Medical students had the highest level of knowledge (p<0.05). Very few students (3.6%) had already taken the vaccine with no significant difference between the two Universities (p=0.399). In conclusion, the knowledge and attitude of the respondents were high and positive, respectively. Only few students took HPV vaccination. Thus, more awareness campaigns and HPV vaccination services should be provided at universities' campuses with the price of the HPV vaccine reduced for the students.

A survey was carried out to assess the level of knowledge and vaccination coverage of hepatitis A and B among 753 subjects (>12 years of age) from rural areas, town areas, undergraduates and healthcare workers. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the extent of hepatitis A and B knowledge and vaccination status of the participants. A questionnaire was distributed and completed by the subjects. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge among the public was low compared to healthcare workers and undergraduates. The hepatitis A vaccination coverage was very low among all the groups (<8%). The hepatitis B vaccination coverage was generally low among the groups of nonhealthcare workers (<35%) and higher among healthcare workers (65.6%). There was a strong correlation between the extent of knowledge of hepatitis A and B and the status of vaccination among the participants (p<0.01). The study concluded that health education on hepatitis A and B should be provided and vaccination programmes should be held more frequently among the public, especially in rural areas.

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