Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Healthcare Providers at a Tertiary Care...

In India, majority of cancer-related deaths are attributed to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is preventable through vaccines such as Gardasil and Gardasil 9. Despite their efficacy, uptake of these vaccines among healthcare providers (HCPs) remains low. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV vaccination among HCPs at a tertiary care center in India.

A survey was conducted among 399 HCPs at a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using an online questionnaire focusing on knowledge of HPV, attitudes towards HPV vaccination, personal vaccine uptake, and perceived barriers to vaccination. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-squared tests, p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Significant knowledge gaps were identified, particularly among nurses and paramedical staff. While 95.9% of doctors were aware of HPV, only 66.7% of nurses and 73.4% of paramedical staff had similar knowledge. Awareness of HPV transmission was highest among doctors (98.5%) compared to nurses (87.1%) and paramedical staff (91.7%). Despite 89.34% of doctors expressing confidence in the vaccine's safety, only 11.67% had received it. Fewer than 9% of nurses and paramedical staff reported being vaccinated. The primary barriers to vaccine uptake were affordability and lack of awareness.

The study highlights the need for targeted educational efforts to improve knowledge about HPV and its vaccines among HCPs, especially nurses and paramedical staff. Addressing misconceptions and integrating the HPV vaccine into national immunization programs could improve vaccine accessibility and uptake, ultimately reducing cervical cancer burden in India.