Abstract
BackgroundPrimary care practitioners (PCP) play key roles in cervical cancer prevention. Human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge is an important influence on PCPs’ cervical cancer prevention-related behaviours. We investigated HPV knowledge, and associated factors, among general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses.MethodsA survey, including factual questions about HPV infection and vaccination, was mailed to GPs and practice nurses in Ireland. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine which PCPs had low knowledge (questions correctly answered: infection ≤5/11; vaccination: ≤4/10). Questions least often answered correctly were identified.Results697 PCPs participated. For HPV infection, GPs and practice nurses answered a median of nine and seven questions correctly, respectively (p<0.001). Significantly associated with low HPV infection knowledge were: being a practice nurse/male GP; working fewer hours/week; not having public patients; and having never taken a cervical smear. For HPV vaccination, both GPs and practice nurses answered a median of six questions correctly (p = 0.248). Significantly associated with low HPV vaccination knowledge were: being a practice nurse/male GP; working more years in general practice, fewer hours/week, in a smaller practice or in a practice not specialising in women’s health; and having never taken a smear. Six HPV infection questions, and seven HPV vaccination questions, were not answered correctly by >⅓ of PCPs.ConclusionsThere are important limitations in HPV infection and vaccination knowledge among PCPs. By identifying factors associated with poor knowledge, and areas of particular uncertainty, these results can inform development of professional education initiatives thereby ensuring women have access to uniformly high-quality HPV-related information and advice.
Highlights
The causal relationship between cervical cancer and “high-risk” human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is reshaping cervical cancer prevention strategies internationally [1]
For Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, both general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses answered a median of six questions correctly (p = 0.248)
By identifying factors associated with poor knowledge, and areas of particular uncertainty, these results can inform development of professional education initiatives thereby ensuring women have access to uniformly high-quality HPV-related information and advice
Summary
The causal relationship between cervical cancer and “high-risk” human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is reshaping cervical cancer prevention strategies internationally [1]. Primary care practitioners (PCPs), both doctors and nurses, play key roles in cervical cancer prevention in many countries. PCPs can significantly impact women’s cervical cancer prevention behaviours. They may positively or negatively influence women’s screening participation decisions and decisionmaking around HPV vaccination [4,5,6]. In a recent US study, HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates among adolescents were higher in the practice populations of primary care physicians with greater HPV infection and vaccination knowledge [14]. Good knowledge appears a prerequisite for optimal cervical cancer prevention-related behaviours among PCPs. Primary care practitioners (PCP) play key roles in cervical cancer prevention. We investigated HPV knowledge, and associated factors, among general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses
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