Marc Steben1, Nancy Durand2, Juliet R Guichon3, Zoë R Greenwald4, Susan McFaul5, Jennifer Blake6. 1. STI Unit, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC. Electronic address: marc.steben@inspq.qc.ca. 2. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Toronto, ON; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. 3. Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. 4. Department of Epidemiology, Clinique médicale l'Actuel, Montréal, QC. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON. 6. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Physicians are the sole prescribers of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adults in Canada. This survey of Canadian physicians aimed to explore knowledge, barriers, and preventive practices regarding HPV vaccination. METHOD: A survey of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 337) and obstetrician/gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) (n = 81) was conducted in May and June 2016 using an online panel. Demographic data and information pertaining to HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices were collected by using a 22-item questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 83% of GPs recommended or administered HPV vaccine to adults. Among physicians, 99% to 100% strongly agreed that vaccination is an important aspect of disease prevention. Physicians were rarely concerned about vaccine safety (5%-11%). Cost was seen as the number one barrier by 92% to 95% of physicians. Physicians rated consumers' understanding of HPV to be low (11%-14%, very good; and 49%-56%, somewhat good knowledge). Among physicians, 60% to 66% of said they routinely discussed HPV vaccination with patients. Female physicians demonstrated greater knowledge of HPV than their male counterparts. CONCLUSION: GPs and obstetrician/gynaecologists routinely recommend and administer the HPV vaccine to patients. The majority of physicians showed high levels of knowledge regarding HPV vaccine and associated cancers; however, perceived barriers of cost may limit recommendations for vaccination, particularly among older women or men.
OBJECTIVE: Physicians are the sole prescribers of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adults in Canada. This survey of Canadian physicians aimed to explore knowledge, barriers, and preventive practices regarding HPV vaccination. METHOD: A survey of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 337) and obstetrician/gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) (n = 81) was conducted in May and June 2016 using an online panel. Demographic data and information pertaining to HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices were collected by using a 22-item questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 83% of GPs recommended or administered HPV vaccine to adults. Among physicians, 99% to 100% strongly agreed that vaccination is an important aspect of disease prevention. Physicians were rarely concerned about vaccine safety (5%-11%). Cost was seen as the number one barrier by 92% to 95% of physicians. Physicians rated consumers' understanding of HPV to be low (11%-14%, very good; and 49%-56%, somewhat good knowledge). Among physicians, 60% to 66% of said they routinely discussed HPV vaccination with patients. Female physicians demonstrated greater knowledge of HPV than their male counterparts. CONCLUSION: GPs and obstetrician/gynaecologists routinely recommend and administer the HPV vaccine to patients. The majority of physicians showed high levels of knowledge regarding HPV vaccine and associated cancers; however, perceived barriers of cost may limit recommendations for vaccination, particularly among older women or men.