TYPHOID VACCINE INSIGHTS: A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG CYBERJAYA’S FOOD & BEVERAGE WORKERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.25/no.3/art.3513Keywords:
Typhoid vaccine, food handlers, vaccine knowledge, public health, vaccination uptake.Abstract
Typhoid fever remains a public health concern in Malaysia, particularly among food and beverage (F&B) workers who play a critical role in food safety. Vaccination is a key preventive strategy; however, knowledge gaps may limit its effectiveness. This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge of the typhoid vaccine and its association with sociodemographic factors among 157 F&B workers in Cyberjaya. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Overall, 45.2% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of the typhoid vaccine. Approximately 64.3% reported having received typhoid vaccination, although gaps in understanding regarding vaccine purpose and prevention remained. Higher knowledge levels were significantly associated with female gender, younger age, Malaysian nationality, higher education level, student status, and employment in fast food chains (p < 0.05). Despite moderate vaccination coverage, knowledge gaps were evident, particularly among males, older workers, non-Malaysians, and those working in informal food outlets. Targeted educational interventions integrated into routine food handler training are recommended to strengthen vaccine literacy and support typhoid prevention efforts.
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