Assessment of the State of Knowledge about HPV Infection and HPV Vaccination among Polish Resident Doctors

Abstract

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations have been introduced into the population of many countries through vaccination programs, although their acceptance varies from country to country, largely dependent on the state of knowledge about diseases caused by genital HPV types as well as cultural, social, and religious factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the state of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines among doctors during their specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, dermatology and venereology, and pediatrics. Another objective of the study was to analyze the impact of the state of knowledge about HPV vaccination on their attitude to primary prevention, i.e., vaccinations. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and 639 doctors took part in the study. The analysis was carried out mainly using descriptive statistical methods. In Poland, doctors’ knowledge about HPV is low, independent of gender, age, and subject of specialization. Doctors’ knowledge about the HPV vaccine is very low and independent of sex, age, and subject of specialization. However, doctors’ knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine influences the attitude to HPV vaccination and does not affect pro-active behaviors.

A survey of knowledge, attitudes and awareness of the HPV and HPV vaccine among obstetricians and gynecologists across Poland

“…Compared to similar studies, the OBGYNs in the present study showed slightly higher knowledge about hrHPV: 84.1% of family physicians and 45% of pediatricians in the USA did [6,7]. A study conducted among Polish doctors during residency in pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, and dermatology and venereology showed that their knowledge about HPV was low, independent of sex, age, and specialization [8].…”

Polish Medical Students’ Knowledge Regarding Human Papillomavirus’s Ways of Transmission, Risk of Cancer Development and Vaccination, and Their Intention to Recommend Vaccination

“…However, about 20% of medical students in their final years of study are not aware of the relationship between HPV infection and the increased risk of developing cancer in other locations, i.e., the penis and anus. These results are reflected in studies conducted by other research teams, which indicate a lack of knowledge among medical students in this field [ 15 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…In another recently published study, low levels of knowledge about HPV among young Polish doctors have been reported. As many as 34.7% of physicians obtained a result from questionnaire in the lowest quadrille (54–59% of correct answers) [ 15 ]. A worrying finding is that the lowest level of knowledge is found among pediatric doctors who have contact with the target group for vaccination programs (children aged 9–14 years).…”

Būsimųjų Sveikatos Priežiūros Specialistų Požiūris Į Žmogaus Papilomos Virusą Ir Vakciną Nuo Šio Viruso

“…Lenkijoje 2021 metais atlikto tyrimo metu buvo vertinama gydytojų rezidentų nuomonė ir žinios apie ŽPV ir jo prevenciją. Paaiškėjo, kad žinios apie vakciną buvo vertinamos kaip labai prastos, jos nepriklausė nuo lyties, amžiaus ar specializacijos [14]. Vis dėlto 2020 metais atlikus sisteminę literatūros apžvalgą, kurioje buvo analizuojamos Europoje gyvenančių jaunų žmonių ir jų tėvų žinios ir požiūris į ŽPV, prieita prie išvados, kad žinios apie ŽPV ir požiūris į vakciną yra nepakankamos arba vidutinio lygio ir labai priklausė nuo šalies, kurioje gyvenama [15].…”