Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Knowledge, Awareness and Acceptance among Dental Students and Post-Graduate Dental Residents

Abstract

Introduction: The recent development of a vaccine that is highly effective against the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been met with widespread clinical and public health professional acceptance. However, social and societal barriers to vaccination may hamper public health efforts to prevent HPV-mediated diseases. Although a few studies have evaluated knowledge or awareness of HPV vaccination among dentists or dental educators, few studies have evaluated the acceptance, knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccination among dental students and post-graduate dental residents. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate survey responses regarding acceptance, knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccination among dental students and post-graduate dental residents. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of a previously administered and collected questionnaire. The original protocol was reviewed by the UNLV Biomedical Institutional Research Board (IRB) and was deemed excluded from IRB review (OPRS#0811-2911). Results: Two hundred and ninety-three (N = 293) dental student and forty-one (N = 41) post-graduate dental resident questionnaires were available for a total sample size of N = 334. In brief, although the majority of dental students and residents agreed that vaccines are safe and effective, less than half of dental students (37.5%) or dental residents (48.7%) had discussed the HPV vaccine with a physician or had received the vaccine themselves. In addition, a significant percentage of dental students and residents felt they did not have enough information regarding the HPV vaccine (25.6% and 26.8%, respectively) or had significant concerns about the side effects (17.1%). Conclusions: The data suggest more specific information in dental school microbiology and immunology courses might be needed to increase awareness and knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, including the HPV vaccine. This enhanced education might also serve as a curricular focal point to answer questions regarding vaccine-related side effects and provide a mechanism for answering important questions regarding this vaccine.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding HPV Vaccination among Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students in Chennai

“…Although one recent study found that further education and training would improve willingness of dental providers to discuss and recommend HPV vaccination, previous work from the same group found dental knowledge, awareness and willingness may be more malleable than established dental providers [14][15][16]. It was also found that the awareness among dental students was comparatively lesser than postgraduate students which may be due to the increased experience according to Mann et al ' [13]. In a study conducted by Tan et al and Rashwan et al , it was found that most of the students had a positive attitude towards HPV vaccination as they were aware of cervical cancer and its prevention which was found to be contradictory to the present age [17,18 to the results of the present study, it was found that refusal for vaccination was lack of knowledge among students and efficacy of the vaccine raised doubts due to its increased cost in various other studies [18][19][20][21].…”

“…1. Percentage of response agreed vaccines were effective (~97%), significantly fewer dental students agreed they were safe [13]. Although one recent study found that further education and training would improve willingness of dental providers to discuss and recommend HPV vaccination, previous work from the same group found dental knowledge, awareness and willingness may be more malleable than established dental providers [14][15][16].…”

Assessing the Effectiveness of Web-Based Modules on Human Papillomavirus Among Dental and Dental Hygiene Students

“…[ 28 – 30 ] Recent evidence suggests that providing HPV-specific educational resources may improve both knowledge and likelihood of recommending HPV immunization in patient care. [ 31 – 33 ]…”

HPV Vaccination Awareness and Its Relation to Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Single Centre Study

“…Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown convincing evidence of significant reductions in HPV infections in geographical areas with increased vaccination, which will possibly facilitate both clinical protection and herd immunity within that population 6 . The World Health Organization (WHO) has necessitated the global elimination of oral and cervical cancer as it is preventable with a well-known etiological factor.…”

“…Only a small number of studies have evaluated the familiarity, understanding, and acceptance of HPV vaccination among undergraduate dental students, post-graduate residents, and practitioners. These studies have evaluated and found deficiencies in both knowledge and awareness among dental students specifically, that may be added to the dental curriculum 6 . This study was a prospective analysis of a questionnaire collected from the dentist and dental students at The Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India; regarding their knowledge, awareness and vaccination status.…”