Which primary care practitioners have poor human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge? A step towards informing the development of professional education initiatives

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.

Assessment of the State of Knowledge about HPV Infection and HPV Vaccination among Polish Resident Doctors

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Cognitions and behaviours of general practitioners in France regarding HPV vaccination: A theory-based systematic review

“…Although up to 88% of GPs report confidence in explaining the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccination ( Chauvet, 2016 ; Pelissier and Bastides, 2008 ; Raude et al, 2016 ; Tutala, 2019 ; Verger et al, 2015 ), the percentage of GPs who will be able to answer related specific questions is probably much lower, as reported in France and in other settings ( Tutala, 2019 ; McSherry et al, 2018 ). This result together with the fact that up to 50% of GPs reports doubts and concerns regarding HPV vaccination is intriguing.…”

Awareness, Attitudes and Clinical Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among General Practitioners and Pediatricians in Switzerland

“…The reported awareness on HPV and associated diseases was high, but the estimated proportion of preventable disease cases by vaccination was clearly underestimated. Various studies have shown vaccination providers’ knowledge gaps [ 14 , 27 , 28 ], and insufficient knowledge on HPV and the HPVv has been identified as a personal barrier to providing the HPVv [ 25 ]. Furthermore, it became apparent among the survey respondents that patient age and gender strongly influence their attitudes.…”