Knowledge, attitude & practice on human papillomavirus vaccination: A cross-sectional study among healthcare providers

Abstract

Background & objectives:Cervical cancer is a major health problem and a leading cause of death among women in India. Of all the associated risk factors, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections being the principal aetiologic agent, two HPV vaccines are in use for the control of cervical cancer. The present study was undertaken to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on HPV vaccination among the healthcare providers in India.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 590 healthcare professionals from 232 hospitals and 80 PHCs of nine districts of Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). A total of 590 (526 female, 64 male) healthcare providers were surveyed.Results:Only 47 per cent of respondents recommended young women to get vaccinated against HPV. Majority of respondents (81%) were found to be aware about the existence of vaccines for cervical cancer prevention. District-wise, highest (88.3%) awareness about the existence of vaccines against HPV was reported from Gautam Budh Nagar and lowest (64%) in Faridabad. Although 86 per cent of gynaecologists were aware about the names of HPV vaccines available in the market, only 27 per cent of paramedical staff had this knowledge. There was a significant difference between the respondents from government and private sectors regarding their awareness about HPV vaccines. Lack of awareness about the principal cause, risk factors and symptoms for cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was significantly (P< 0.05) reported in the respondents from paramedical staff category.Interpretation & conclusions:The findings reinforce continued medical education of healthcare providers, particularly those from the government sector on HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. Public education is also pertinent for a successful HPV vaccination programme in the country.

Acceptance for Human Papilloma virus vaccines, experience at tertiary care centre of northern india: a hospital-based survey

“…Present study result is consistent with other studies in India that showed low level of cervical cancer and HPV knowledge even in medical students Mehta S et al 19 Also there is lack of knowledge in paramedical staff workers in India as shown in a study by Chawla PC et al, who found that only 47 % of respondents recommended HPV vaccine. 20 Similarly, another study among college students aged 18-35 years in Ghana, done by Molowku PN et al, noted very low awareness (7.9%) regarding the link between HPV and cervical cancer. 21 The poor knowledge of HPV infection may result in reduced perceived risk and severity of HPV infection, thereby accounting for the low acceptability rate of HPV vaccination in present study.…”

HPV Vaccination Recommendation Practices among Adolescent Health Care Providers in 5 Countries

“…In our study, protection against cervical cancer and genital warts were the most frequently cited advantages of HPV vaccination, consistent with literature from Malaysia, where over 95% of providers agreed that HPV vaccines can prevent cervical cancer, 14 and in India, where 81% of surveyed health care professionals were aware that vaccination prevents cervical cancer. 19 Concern about cost was the most frequently cited disadvantage of HPV vaccination among providers within each country. Similarly, cost was the most important consideration in willingness to vaccinate among health care providers in Vietnam, which does not have a routine HPV immunization program.…”

“…Yet quantitative global data on provider vaccination practices are relatively scarce. 18 Studies on providers' HPV vaccination recommendation practices in individual countries exist, 14,19 including studies among health providers in Europe, which identify concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and long-term effects, provider's lack of time, and difficulty providing information to the target population of girls. 20, 21 However, none have described health provider responses across countries.…”

HPV vaccine knowledge and coverage among female students in a medical college, Kerala

“…In the study by Chawla et al among healthcare providers 70% knew about the oncogenic strains. 12 The studies done on medical students did not have a question on the oncogenic strains.…”