Introduction Cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common cancer in women. There is no published data on the recent incidence of cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer and genital warts caused by the different types of HPVs in Brunei Darussalam.
Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted utilising data from patients diagnosed with cervical cancer during the period 2005–2009 in Brunei Darussalam. The varying incidences of different types of cervical lesions among various ethnic and age groups, and in the overall population, were determined.
Results The mean age-standardised incidence of invasive cervical cancer during the five-year period was 24.9 per 100,000 women per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.7, 28.1). Age-specific invasive cervical cancer incidence peaked in the age group 45–59 years. Chinese females tended to have a higher incidence of invasive cervical cancer (28.2 per 100,000 women per year; 95% CI 17.8, 38.7) than Malay females (20.6 per 100,000 women per year; 95%
CI 17.1, 24.2), while other ethnic groups in Brunei Darussalam had a significantly lower incidence (6.5 per 100,000 women per year; 95% CI 3.0, 10.0).
Conclusion The results suggest that Brunei Darussalam has a relatively higher incidence of cervical cancer compared to its neighbouring countries. The findings support the need for more comprehensive screening, public education programmes and vaccination against HPV in the country.
Matched MeSH terms: Condylomata Acuminata/prevention & control
OBJECTIVE:
Cervical HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease among college-age women. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer among female university students, to provide insight into development of HPV educational information.
STUDY DESIGN:
A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample. A total of 1083 ethnically diverse female students attending a public university were approached and 650 were interviewed.
RESULTS:
Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors was remarkably poor. Across the sample, the mean total knowledge score (14-item) was only 3.25 (S.D. +/-2.41; 95% CI 3.07-3.44). Only 10.3% had heard of the newly released HPV vaccine. Approximately 48% of participants indicated an intention to receive an HPV vaccine. Intention to receive an HPV vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of HPV and genital warts (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.25-1.88), and knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.11-1.33). Of those who refused HPV vaccination, 50.9% doubted the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine, and 41.5% perceived themselves as not at risk of HPV infection.
CONCLUSION:
The findings suggest that providing education about the etiology of cervical cancer and the HPV link is an essential component to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.
Matched MeSH terms: Condylomata Acuminata/prevention & control