Abstract
Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) among pharmacists in Japan. Methods:Questionnaires were disseminated to 788 pharmacists employed by the Tsuruha Holdings Inc. A total of 617 pharmacists responded, generating a response rate of 78.3%. Result:Of the 362 females and 255 males, vaccination rates were 14.4% and 0.8%, respectively. In terms of cervical cytology, 35.1% of females received it once every two years, and 26.2% received it irregularly. As for HPV testing, 12.2% of females received it once every two years, and 16.6% received it irregularly. The rate of “school curriculum” as an information source was significantly higher among younger pharmacists; while “internet”, “media”, “training seminar for pharmacist”, “advertisement in medical institution”, “internal manual”, and “others” were significantly higher among older pharmacists. The proportion of pharmacists with knowledge on general questions, except for those about HPV testing, was significantly higher among females than males. The vaccination rates of younger pharmacists were significantly higher than those of older pharmacists. The screening rates of cervical cytology were significantly higher among older than younger pharmacists, and also among those with at least 10 years of experience than those with less. There were no differences in the screening rates of HPV testing according to age or pharmacist experience. Conclusion:The proportion of pharmacists with knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV significantly varied depending on sex, age, and experience as a pharmacist. This study suggested that spreading the knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV might be effective for increasing the rates of cervical cancer screening.
Highlights
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of the female genital system globally
The rate of “school curriculum” as an information source was significantly higher among younger pharmacists; while “internet”, “media”, “training seminar for pharmacist”, “advertisement in medical institution”, “internal manual”, and “others” were significantly higher among older pharmacists
This study suggested that spreading the knowledge about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) might be effective for increasing the rates of cervical cancer screening
Summary
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of the female genital system globally. In 2018, approximately 570,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 311,000 died from it (GLOBOCAN, 2019). Cervical cancer is caused by sexually acquired infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV types 16 and 18 which cause 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions (WHO, 2020). Comprehensive cervical cancer control includes HPV vaccination as primary prevention, screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions as secondary prevention, diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer tertiary prevention as tertiary prevention and palliative care (WHO, 2020). The significance of primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related diseases has become a worldwide concern.
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