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A Survey of Wisconsin Pediatricians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Marc R Rohrbach1, Aaron M Wieland1
11 Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Insights
Pediatricians support human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for males, but lack awareness of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer risks in males leads to lower vaccination rates. Increased provider education is crucial for equitable HPV prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant disease burden, particularly with rising rates of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers in males.
- HPV vaccination rates are suboptimal and notably lower in males compared to females.
- Pediatrician awareness regarding the increasing incidence and male-specific risks of HPV-mediated head and neck cancers is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pediatricians' awareness of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer incidence and its disproportionate impact on males.
- To evaluate pediatrician support for and practices regarding HPV vaccination in both sexes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 831 members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- The survey assessed awareness of HPV-related cancer risks and vaccination recommendations.
- A response rate of 49.6% was achieved.
Main Results:
- While most pediatricians supported routine HPV vaccination for both males and females, females were perceived as higher risk and more frequently recommended for vaccination.
- A significant proportion of providers were unaware of the substantial burden of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and its greater prevalence in males.
- Male vaccination was widely supported, yet a bias towards vaccinating females was observed.
Conclusions:
- Wisconsin pediatricians express strong support for male HPV vaccination but demonstrate a bias towards vaccinating females due to a lack of awareness about the higher risk of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer in males.
- This provider knowledge gap, coupled with outdated parental educational materials, likely contributes to low male HPV vaccination rates.
- Targeted education for healthcare providers is essential to improve HPV vaccination coverage in males and mitigate HPV-related disease burden.
Abstract:
Objective The human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and carries a significant burden of disease. This is increasingly apparent in males with the rising incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Unfortunately, vaccination rates remain poor and are lowest in males. It is unclear if pediatricians are aware of the alarming rise of HPV-mediated head and neck cancers and the disproportionate effect on males. Study Design This investigation used a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. Setting The survey was developed by investigators in the University of Wisconsin Division of Otolaryngology. Subjects and Methods The survey was distributed to 831 members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Results A total response rate of 49.6% was achieved. Most supported routine vaccination in both sexes. Females are regarded as being at higher risk of an HPV-related cancer and are more often recommended vaccination. Most providers are unaware of the magnitude of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and the greater affliction in males. Conclusions Male vaccination is overwhelmingly supported by Wisconsin pediatricians, yet there is a preponderance toward vaccinating females, who are perceived as having greater risk for HPV-associated disease. This is likely because providers are unaware of the magnitude of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer and its predilection for males. A lack of provider awareness, in combination with out-of-date education material for parents, likely contributes to poor vaccination rates in males.
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