Utilization Evaluation of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (GARDASIL®) in Iran; A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccination against HPV seems to be a good approach for prevention of cervical cancer and genital warts. But in Iran we are confronted with lack of evidence for its cost-effectiveness whereas its consumption is dramatically increasing. This was a cross- sectional study. We used a questionnaire including 5 sections as follows; Patients demographic information, Patients medical history, Pregnancy and lactation considerations, Gardasil prescription characteristics and HPV infection characteristics. Prescriber with adherence to guideline were defined as those prescribing Gardasil for correct age range and indication with accurate dosage and administration. Descriptive statistics for variables was shown by frequency (percent) or mean (± SD) and evaluation of relation between categorical variables was performed by using Chi-square test. Total 566 Gardasil recipients participated in the study. There were mostly female with mean age of 28.1 (± 6.68). For 128 (22.6%) participants Gardasil prescribed correctly considering both age range (9-26 years) and indication (prophylactic). From this group, 80 participants (14.1%/566) have received accurate Gardasil dosage and interval (prescriber had adherence to guideline). Patients' out of pocket payment in guidelines adherent prescriptions was a seventh of total costs obtained from 566 consumers. Gynecologists significantly prescribed for prophylaxis higher than other specialties (p-value = 0.01). Prescribers' practice in administrating Gardasil is obviously not appropriate and it is imposing burdensome cost to community and government. On the other hand, we have encountered with increasing rate of its use in Iran in past years. Therefore, we are in urgent need for appropriate interventions in national level and prompt supervision to regulate Gardasil consumption.