Knowledge Beliefs and Barriers of Healthcare Workers about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and HPV Vaccination

Abstract

Background/Purpose: HPV vaccine is critical in the primary prevention of HPV infection and related diseases. HPV vaccination alone reduces HPV infection by 70% and cervical cancer by 48%. Healthcare workers are expected to have sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes and behaviours about the HPV vaccine. This study aimed to determine the knowledge level of healthcare workers about HPV and HPV vaccination and their beliefs and barriers towards HPV vaccination. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 339 healthcare workers were reached by snowball sampling. Sociodemographic form, 'Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale (HPV-KS)', 'Health Belief Model Scale for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Its Vaccination (HBMS-HPVV)' were applied online. Results: 254 female (74.9%) and 85 male (25.1%) healthcare workers participated in this study, and 60.5% of the participants were physicians. 94.4% of participants have heard of the HPV vaccine. The most frequently consulted information sources are specialist physicians (57%), social media/TV/Websites (24.4%), and other health workers (23.7%). Twenty-six participants (7.7%) have had at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, and 58% completed three doses. 6.7% of the participants having daughters, and 0.7% of those having sons vaccinated their children against HPV. Women who have had HPV screening (p=0.016), HPV positive results (p=0.033) and pathological cervical cancer screening results (p=0.004), those having 1st-degree relatives or close friends who had HPV vaccine (p