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Mello VMDS, Santos VCGD, Baptista AD, Fonseca SC, Faria CA, Vitral CL, Cavalcanti S. Knowledge about human papillomavirus transmission and prevention among physicians in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20220291. [PMID: 37098929 PMCID: PMC10176655 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20220291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess physicians' knowledge about human papillomavirus infection and its prevention. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandra Costa Fonseca
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Departamento de Epidemiologia e Bioestatística - Niterói (RJ), Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Faria
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento Materno Infantil - Niterói (RJ), Brazil
| | - Claudia Lamarca Vitral
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia - Niterói (RJ), Brazil
| | - Silvia Cavalcanti
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia - Niterói (RJ), Brazil
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Villavicencio A, Kelsey G, Nogueira NF, Zukerberg J, Salazar AS, Hernandez L, Raccamarich P, Alcaide ML. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards HPV vaccination among reproductive age women in a HIV hotspot in the US. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275141. [PMID: 36656804 PMCID: PMC9851547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the US, responsible for cervical cancer and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. Despite an effective HPV vaccine, women's HPV vaccination coverage and rates remain far below desired levels. This study aimed to evaluate HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age living in Miami, Florida, a Southern US city with a high incidence of STIs and low HPV vaccination coverage. METHODS From April to June 2022, 100 HIV-negative, cisgender, sexually active women aged 18-45 years were recruited from the Miami community. Participants completed validated questionnaires using REDCap© electronic surveys, assessing socio-demographics and sexual behaviors; HPV knowledge, screening, vaccination practices; barriers and motivators to HPV vaccination. A cumulative HPV knowledge score (HPV score) was generated. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, studentized t-test, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). RESULTS A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and 84 who knew their vaccination status were included in the analysis. Of these, 43 reported receiving at least 1 HPV vaccine dose (vaccinated group) and 41 reported never being vaccinated (unvaccinated group). Mean age was 24.7 (SD 4.03) years for the vaccinated group and 31.4 (SD 8.33) for the unvaccinated group. Mean HPV score was 18.9/29 (SD 6.05) for the vaccinated group and 9.1/29 (SD 8.82) for the unvaccinated group. Amongst vaccinated participants, 76.74% reported a history of HPV/Pap smear screening vs 87.80% in the unvaccinated group. Barriers to HPV vaccination included: 14.6% low-risk perception, 29.3% healthcare barriers, and 46.3% vaccine hesitancy and personal beliefs. Motivators t HPV vaccination included: risk perception and vaccine beliefs (71.42%), healthcare-related (60.71%) and social motivators (55.95%). In the first MLR, one-point increases in HPV score were significantly associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination until an HPV score of 16, and a one-year increase in age was associated with a 16% lower odds of HPV vaccination (aOR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.72, 0.99]; p = 0.035). Contraception use was also associated with HPV vaccination (aOR 8.36 (95% CI [1.41, 49.62]; p = 0.020). Race, ethnicity, college education status, and number of sexual partners were not significant predictors of HPV vaccination. In the second MLR evaluating vaccination motivators as predictors of HPV vaccination, we found that individuals who were motivated by healthcare had 3.03 (95% CI [1.02, 9.00]; p = 0.046) times the odds of HPV vaccination compared to individuals without healthcare-related motivators. CONCLUSION Findings suggest suboptimal HPV knowledge and low vaccination rates among women of reproductive age. Public health efforts should focus on increasing basic HPV knowledge among women with little-to-no HPV knowledge to increase vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasith Villavicencio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gray Kelsey
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nicholas F. Nogueira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Julia Zukerberg
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ana S. Salazar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lucila Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patricia Raccamarich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Maria Luisa Alcaide
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Immunization for midlife women. Menopause 2022; 29:1204-1209. [PMID: 35998660 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause occurs at a critical juncture in life when preventative health care can have a major impact. However, recommendations for immunizations are often neglected, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality in aging women. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of immunization checkpoints at menopause to optimize the quality of care and health maintenance in older women and to provide an overview of the impact of immunizations on women's health. METHODS This is an opinion article based on the current US and Canadian guidelines. A review of various guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Advisory Committee on Immunizations were conducted for each vaccine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Disease prevention benefits are well established for several diseases, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, human papillomavirus, streptococcus pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19. During clinical encounters, a needs assessment regarding vaccinations should be conducted. However, barriers to adult vaccination including lack of patient and provider knowledge about the need for vaccination, lack of priority for preventive services, and concerns regarding costs, insurance coverage, and reimbursement all contribute to the adult immunization gap. Given the importance of immunization and the need to decrease vaccine-preventable diseases, it is the obligation of healthcare practitioners to recommend vaccines and provide education on vaccination guidelines and associated risks. As women often seek medical attention at menopause because of changes in their physiology that require attention, it is the ideal time to discuss the importance of immunization.
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Stratoberdha D, Gobis B, Ziemczonek A, Yuen J, Giang A, Zed PJ. Barriers to adult vaccination in Canada: A qualitative systematic review. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2022; 155:206-218. [PMID: 35813527 PMCID: PMC9266373 DOI: 10.1177/17151635221090212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: In recent years, Canadian health care professionals have observed an increase in vaccine refusal. The objective of this study is to review published literature and identify the main themes related to vaccine hesitancy and barriers to vaccination in Canadian adults and recent immigrants. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was performed. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (1946 to January 2021) and EMBASE (1974 to January 2021) was conducted to identify existing literature that addressed the primary research question. Studies were eligible for inclusion if the study population involved 1) the general population, 2) Indigenous populations, 3) recent immigrants to Canada or 4) Canadian health care professionals. Results: Thirty-four studies were included with a focus on the general population (n = 22), health care professionals (n = 10) and recent immigrant populations (n = 2). The most frequently reported barriers were lack of vaccine information (41%), lack of access to vaccination (38%), fear of adverse reactions (38%), financial reasons (29%), lack of awareness of vaccine existence (29%), antivaccine sentiments (24%), notion that older adults do not need vaccination (18%), misconceptions on vaccine effectiveness (12%), potential sexual health promotion stigma (6%) and fear of needles (3%). Interpretation: Barriers to vaccination among Canadians and recent immigrants continue to be a challenge in the health care system. Conclusions: The greatest yield in improving vaccination rates is likely to come from supporting vaccine-hesitant individuals in shifting their thinking to greater vaccine acceptance. Pharmacists are well positioned to address vaccine hesitancy and involvement through education, facilitation and administration of vaccines. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2022;155:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Stratoberdha
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Barbara Gobis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Adrian Ziemczonek
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Jamie Yuen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Annita Giang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Peter J. Zed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Alsous MM, Ali AA, Al-Azzam SI, Abdel Jalil MH, Al-Obaidi HJ, Al-Abbadi EI, Hussain ZK, Jirjees FJ. Knowledge and awareness about human papillomavirus infection and its vaccination among women in Arab communities. Sci Rep 2021; 11:786. [PMID: 33436959 PMCID: PMC7804285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common types of cancer that affect females worldwide with hundreds of thousands of women dying annually due to this disease, mainly in developing countries. Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main risk factor for this cancer. There are no public awareness and national immunization programs in most Arab countries. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and awareness about the HPV vaccine among females in four Arab countries and their acceptance to receive the vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted in several Arab countries: Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iraq. Respondents that fulfilled the desired criteria and were willing to participate in the study were asked to fill out the survey. Knowledge and awareness were assessed using 13 questions. Ethical approvals were given from the four countries. A total of 3658 individuals participated in the study; however, 2804 responses were included in the analysis and more than one third of participants (n = 1007) were aged between 18 and 25 years old. This study revealed poor awareness and knowledge of the participants about HPV and its vaccine among all four countries’ participants with relatively better knowledge among participants from the UAE. Participants who are younger (18–25 years old), have a postgraduate education, have an education or career related to the medical field, or had a Pap smear in the last three years tend to have higher knowledge about the HPV vaccine compared to others. Poor knowledge and awareness findings in this study were expected, considering the lack of public education campaigns regarding the HPV virus coupled with the absence of the HPV vaccination from the national immunization schedule in three participating countries (Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq). It is recommended that there is a need to provide national educational campaigns about the HPV vaccine to the public in all Arab populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervat M Alsous
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Ahlam A Ali
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mariam H Abdel Jalil
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hala J Al-Obaidi
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Esraa I Al-Abbadi
- Qatar National Cancer Registry, National Cancer Program, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zainab K Hussain
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Feras J Jirjees
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Italian Health Care Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus Infection and Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155278. [PMID: 32707867 PMCID: PMC7432815 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, related diseases, and prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey about HPV and its prevention, targeted to healthcare workers involved in HPV vaccine counseling, was performed from May 2017 to December 2018. Results: The overall median knowledge and attitude scores were 69.2% (25–75, p = 61.5–84.6) and 5 (25–75, p = 4–5), respectively. Both knowledge and attitudes statistically significantly differ between physicians and healthcare professions. The median propensity score before and after the educational intervention was stable and high, at 10 (25–75, p = 9–10). The predictors of statistically significantly high knowledge scores are to be a physician, general practitioner, or pediatrician, attending courses/congresses, and consulting technical product characteristics and scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine. Being a physician and consulting scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine were found also as predictors of statistically significantly different attitude scores among study participants. Conclusions: Although healthcare workers showed overall positive attitudes towards the relevance of HPV burden and prevention tools, demonstrated knowledge was largely suboptimal, particularly that shown by healthcare professions. Obtained results allow highlighting knowledge gaps, and thus improving counselling to HPV vaccine targets.
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