Factors influencing the recommendation of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine by South African doctors working in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, HPV vaccination programme has been incorporated recently in the school health system. Since doctors are the most trusted people regarding health issues in general, their knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infections and vaccination are very important for HPV vaccine program nationally. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to recommendation of HPV vaccines to the patients. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 320 doctors, using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Results: All the doctors were aware of HPV and knew that HPV is transmitted sexually. Their overall level of knowledge regarding HPV infections and HPV vaccine was poor. But the majority intended to prescribe the vaccine to their patients. It was found that doctors who knew that HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for >90% of anogenital warts, their patients would comply with the counselling regarding HPV vaccination, and received sufficient information about HPV vaccination were 5.68, 4.91 and 4.46 times respectively more likely to recommend HPV vaccination to their patients, compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). Conclusion:There was a knowledge gap regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccine among the doctors.

Human papillomavirus vaccination practices and perceptions among Ghanaian Healthcare Providers: A qualitative study based on multi-theory model

“…Similar to Hoque et al study among South African doctors, our findings show the HCPs have a general understanding of the HPV mode of transmission and its health implications [35]. Our study showed the HCPs have some basic knowledge about the HPV vaccination but there were varied views and concerns about the recommended age eligibility for vaccination, the availability, efficacy, and the safety of the vaccine.…”

Investigating HPV- and HPV Vaccine-Related Knowledge, Perceptions, and Information Sources among Health Care Providers in Three Big Cities in China

“…However, it seems that their knowledge regarding HPV and its vaccine does not always match with their profession. For example, a study conducted among South African doctors [16] found that the knowledge level of HPV infections was low, and they had poor awareness about HPV and HPV vaccines. Similar results were obtained with doctors in Canada [17], India [15], and China [18].…”

Healthcare professionals' level of medication knowledge in Africa: a systematic review

“…The main finding in these papers was that PEP was underused, and it was speculated that this was partly due to the low level of PEP-related knowledge. Forty-eight questions were about different types of vaccines; 23 on hepatitis B [39][40][41][42][43], eight on human papilloma virus [44][45][46], three on influenza [47,48] viruses, and 14 questions on adverse events following immunization [49]. Questions were about overall awareness of different types of vaccines, and the effectiveness, what comprised a dose/full course, how long the vaccines offered protection, and about the safety of vaccination, adverse reactions after immunization, and medication used to prevent/relieve vaccinationrelated immune reaction.…”