HPV Vaccine Recommendation Among Pediatricians: A KAP Study of Knowledge and Beliefs in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of anogenital warts and cervical cancer. Despite the proven effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal.

AIM: This study aims to assess pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV-related diseases and vaccination to identify factors influencing vaccine recommendations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted with 198 pediatricians. The survey comprised questions related to demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV-related diseases and vaccines, and attitudes of pediatricians toward HPV vaccination. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression to identify predictors of vaccine recommendation.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 84.8% recommended the HPV vaccine, with 45% doing so consistently. Pediatricians who recommended the vaccine had significantly higher knowledge scores than those who did not (P < 0.05). Key barriers to recommending the vaccine included insufficient knowledge (51.7%) and the absence of the HPV vaccine in the National Vaccination Schedule (34.5%). Logistic regression revealed that adequate knowledge of HPV-related diseases (β = 1.84, P = 0.021) and the belief in the necessity of the vaccine (β = 0.95, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of recommending HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSION

Pediatricians with higher knowledge levels are more likely to recommend HPV vaccination. Enhancing pediatricians' knowledge through targeted training and education programs may improve vaccine uptake, contributing to the prevention of HPV-related cancers.