A Questionnaire Survey on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Hospital-Based Healthcare Professionals

Although active human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination recommendations resumed in Japan in 2022, vaccination rates remain low. Understanding hospital staff attitudes toward HPV vaccination may provide insights into improving vaccine uptake.

An anonymous Google Form survey was conducted among Matsue City Hospital staff in August 2024. The questionnaire addressed knowledge and perceptions of cervical cancer and HPV vaccines, vaccination history, and future vaccination intentions. Respondents were classified as proactive or passive based on their family's vaccination intentions. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

Responses were received from 154 participants (response rate: 23.6%), with 88.3% of participants aged ≥ 27 years. While 89.0% and 82.4% reported being "well aware" or "aware" of cervical cancer and HPV vaccines, respectively, 40.3% were passive about family vaccination, and 36.4% expressed safety concerns. Acceptance of vaccine efficacy was significantly higher in the proactive group than in the passive group (96.7% vs. 59.7%, P < 0.0001). Safety concerns were significantly lower in the proactive group than in the passive group (25.0% vs. 56.5%; P < 0.0001). Knowledge was associated with understanding of efficacy (85.0% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.0502) but not with safety concerns (36.2% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.5126).

Approximately 40% of healthcare workers exhibited passive attitudes toward vaccination, and safety concerns significantly influenced their intentions. Improving accurate knowledge dissemination and addressing negative safety perceptions among hospital staff are crucial for increasing vaccination rates.