Evaluation of Polish Adolescents' Knowledge About Human Papillomavirus and Vaccines

Sypień, Piotr; Zielonka, Tadeusz M.

doi:10.1089/jayao.2022.0054

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Therefore, it is necessary to further analyze the awareness and attitudes of physicians in order to raise the level of HPV vaccination in Poland. This is additionally important because the public is positively disposed to vaccination, while there is inadequate awareness of the need [ 23 , 35 ]. The public trusts doctors, so overcoming the problems outlined by professionals should be thoroughly researched and solved in the future.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Awareness and Attitude of Polish Gynecologists and General Practitioners towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations

Sypień¹,

Marek

Zielonka

2023

Healthcare

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to diseases of the skin and mucous membranes of the anogenital and upper gastrointestinal tract, especially neoplasia. HPV vaccinations effectively protect against the development of HPV-related diseases. However, despite the wide availability of vaccination for patients, only a few percent of Polish children are vaccinated. The reasons for this are certainly complex. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate gynecologists’ and general practitioners’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards HPV vaccination and analyze their opinions about the interest in HPV vaccinations among children and parents. An anonymous, voluntary, cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 300 Polish gynecologists and general practitioners. Participants were from a diverse group with a wide range of work experience and different workplaces. Most of the respondents (83%), especially the gynecologists (p = 0.03), declared informing and discussing with parents the HPV-related diseases and prevention methods. Only 8% of the participants reported a negative reaction from parents when talking about HPV vaccines. However, in practice, physicians very rarely recommend this vaccine. HPV vaccination was recommended more often by female physicians (p = 0.03), general practitioners (p < 0.001), physicians working over five years (p < 0.001), doctors who regularly vaccinated themselves against influenza (p = 0.01) and those who vaccinated their children against HPV (p =0.001). The availability of educational materials for parents and/or patients encouraged physicians to provide this information (p < 0.001). Polish gynecologists and general practitioners declared a positive attitude regarding HPV vaccines; however, they rarely recommended this vaccine. Physicians who vaccinate themselves against influenza and their own children against HPV are more likely to provide information and encourage HPV vaccination in others. Additionally, the availability of educational material for parents and adolescents plays an essential role in the popularization of this vaccination. Knowledge alone is not enough for physicians to recommend the vaccination to patients.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%