Knowledge about human papillomavirus transmission and prevention among physicians in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

This study aimed to assess physicians' knowledge about human papillomavirus infection and its prevention.

Descriptive web-based survey with 15 objective questions targeted to physicians affiliated with the Regional Council of Medicine from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Participants were invited by e-mail and the Council social networks, between January and December 2019.

The study sample had 623 participants, with a median age of 45 years, predominantly women (63%). The most frequent specialties were Obstetrics and Gynecology (21.1%), Pediatrics (11.2%), and Internists (10.5%). Concerning human papillomavirus knowledge, 27.9% of the participants were able to identify accurately all possible forms of transmission, and none of them could recognize all the risk factors of infection. Nevertheless, 95% recognized that asymptomatic infection could occur in both sexes. Regarding knowledge about clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and screening, only 46.5% were able to identify all human papillomavirus-related cancers, 42.6% were aware of the periodicity of Pap smears, and 39.4% indicated that serological test was not adequate for diagnosis. The recommended age group for human papillomavirus vaccination was recognized by 94% of the participants, as well as the need for a Pap smear and the use of condoms, even after vaccination.

There is good knowledge about prevention and screening for human papillomavirus infections; many gaps were identified regarding transmission, risk factors, and associated diseases among physicians in Rio de Janeiro state.