Vaccination against human papillomavirus: A baseline survey of Canadian clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs

Abstract

We assessed Canadian obstetrician/gynaecologists’, family physicians’ and paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HPV infection and prevention, as well as factors associated with willingness to prescribe HPV vaccines. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 2500 physicians. The participation rate was 51%. Overall, 95% of respondents indicated that the vaccine should be given to girls before the onset of sexual activity; 80% of respondents felt that the best age for an HPV vaccination program is <14 years; 88% of respondents intend to recommend HPV vaccines if they are publicly funded. Several predisposing, reinforcing, organizational, preventive activity and situational factors were independently associated with the intention to prescribe the HPV vaccines. Most physicians expect an important benefit from HPV vaccination and intend to prescribe HPV vaccines (86.7%). To achieve high rates of vaccination coverage, several modifiable factors should be taken in consideration during immunization program implementation.