National survey study on the approaches of pediatricians, family physicians, medical oncologists and gynecologists to the HPV vaccine

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to emphasize the critical role of physician recommendations in increasing the HPV vaccination rates, and to create awareness in this regard, by revealing the approach of oncologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, and family physicians, who are the primary interlocutors in the matter of HPV vaccination. Procedures: The study was prepared by conducting a questionnaire in a face-to-face manner, with the participation—on the basis of volunteerism—of 425 physicians including oncologists, gynecologists, pediatricians and family physicians. The interviews were conducted at 4 separate national oncology, pediatrics, gynecology and family medicine congresses. With the questions, the participants' attitudes towards HPV vaccination as well as the power, timing, consistency and scope of their recommendations were questioned. Findings: In the study; 33% of the respondents stated that the vaccination was not important, and the ones who considered it to be unnecessary (31%) pointed out its non-cost effectiveness to justify their opinion. Only 51% of the respondents stated that the vaccine should be administered to both girls and boys. The rate of the respondents who stated that it should be administered to those with a risk factor was only 19%. 21% of the respondents stated that they promoted the vaccination in their routine practice. In addition, it was observed that the respondents, who answered correctly the question intended for questioning the their knowledge about HPV’s share in all types of cancer, considered the vaccine to be more important and recommended it more in their routine practices. Results: The results of the analyses reveal that the low HPV vaccination rates are caused substantially by the attitudes of physicians regarding the vaccination; that they do not adequately play a role in its promotion; and that it should be the basic strategy to increase the physicians’ level of knowledge about the vaccine, for increasing the rate of vaccination. Efficacy: This is the first study in the literature, which involves the evaluation of the attitudes of physicians—who are the primary interlocutors in the matter of HPV vaccination—from 4 branches towards HPV vaccination. The study is also one of the first studies involving a sophisticated evaluation of the attitudes of physicians towards HPV vaccination. In terms of its results, the study has a nature that gives information and inspiration to people, institutions, and organizations both in Turkey and other countries, who/which have an aim to increase the rates of HPV vaccination. Keywords: Human papilloma virus, HPV vaccine, Cancer, Preventive medicine