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Ikiroma A, Santin O, Camanda J, Chocolate F, Pelinganga O, Jordao H, Tommasino M, Lohfeld L, Anderson L. Evaluation of human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge among healthcare professionals: A study of conference attendees in Angola. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2099931. [PMID: 35849621 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2099931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an essential role in cervical cancer development. Angola has a high cervical cancer incidence rate (36.1 per 100,000); therefore, knowledge of HPV among clinicians is essential for the prevention of cervical cancer and educating at-risk individuals. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of HPV among healthcare professionals in Angola. A 44-item questionnaire was distributed to 65 healthcare professionals who attended a conference on the cancer burden in Angola. Non-parametric and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Of the participants (55.6%) were male, and 33.3% were aged 31-40 years, 56.3% had an undergraduate degree, and 35.9% had a postgraduate degree. All participants worked in healthcare in academic and/or clinical settings, with 36.7% in joint contracts. Most (62.2%) knew that early sexual debut increases the risk of contracting HPV, and HPV vaccines are most effective if administered before sexual debut. However, there was limited knowledge regarding the virus transmission. The mean HPV knowledge score was 11.08 ± 8.76 and knowledge was higher among older healthcare workers (>50 years) with a postgraduate degree and working in a clinical role. Overall, HPV knowledge was limited among the respondents. Policymakers should consider promoting knowledge and targeted public health initiatives among healthcare professionals in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalia Ikiroma
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Olinda Santin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Osvaldo Pelinganga
- Department of Agriculture, Instituto Superior Politécnico do Cuanza Sul, Sumbe, Angola
| | - Haydee Jordao
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Massimo Tommasino
- Infections and Cancer Biology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Lynne Lohfeld
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lesley Anderson
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Amponsah-Dacosta E, Blose N, Nkwinika VV, Chepkurui V. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in South Africa: Programmatic Challenges and Opportunities for Integration With Other Adolescent Health Services? Front Public Health 2022; 10:799984. [PMID: 35174123 PMCID: PMC8841655 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.799984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to other regions of the world, sub-Saharan Africa has made limited progress in the implementation and performance of nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes. Without urgent intervention, this will serve to undermine cervical cancer elimination efforts in this region. The primary intent of this narrative review is to highlight the programmatic successes and challenges of the school-based HPV vaccination programme in South Africa since its inception in 2014, with the aim of contributing to the evidence base needed to accelerate implementation and improve programme performance in other sub-Saharan African countries. As of 2020, the proportion of adolescent girls aged 15 years who had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine at any time between ages 9–14 years was 75%, while 61% had completed the full recommended two-dose schedule. This gives some indication of the reach of the South African HPV vaccination programme over the past 6 years. Despite this, vaccine coverage and dose completion rates have persistently followed a downward trend, slowing progress toward attaining global elimination targets. There is evidence suggesting that declining public demand for the HPV vaccine may be a result of weakening social mobilization over time, inadequate reminder and tracking systems, and vaccine hesitancy. Another concern is the disproportionate burden of HPV and HIV co-infections among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa, which predisposes them to early development of invasive cervical cancer. Moving forward, national policy makers and implementers will have to explore reforms to current age eligibility criteria and vaccine dose schedules, as well as implement strategies to support vaccine uptake among populations like out-of-school girls, girls attending private schools, and HIV positive young women. Additional opportunities to strengthen the South African HPV vaccination programme can be achieved by scaling up the co-delivery of other adolescent health services such as comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights education, deworming, and health screening. This calls for reinforcing implementation of the integrated school health policy and leveraging existing adolescent health programmes and initiatives in South Africa. Ultimately, establishing tailored, adolescent-centered, integrated health programmes will require guidance from further operational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Amponsah-Dacosta
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Edina Amponsah-Dacosta ;
| | - Ntombifuthi Blose
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Varsetile Varster Nkwinika
- Department of Virological Pathology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Virological Pathology, South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Viola Chepkurui
- Vaccines for Africa Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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What Influences Health Professionals' Recommendations for Non-Scheduled Childhood Vaccinations? A Qualitative Study of Health Professionals' Perspectives in Three Provinces of China. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121433. [PMID: 34960179 PMCID: PMC8708869 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recommendations by health professionals are important for vaccines that are not included in national schedules. This study explored health professionals’ perspectives on recommending non-scheduled (user-fee) childhood vaccinations in China, identifying key influences on professionals’ interactions with caregivers. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 20 health professionals from three provinces in China and analyzed data thematically using deductive and inductive coding. Health professionals from all three provinces were uncomfortable about being perceived to encourage parents to accept vaccines that incurred a fee. They provided information about non-scheduled vaccines but emphasized parental autonomy in decision-making. Rural parents were less aware of unscheduled vaccines and health professionals were more likely to encourage parents living in more affluent areas to consider these vaccines; varicella vaccine was preferred by parents as a way of preventing school absence. Economic incentives for unscheduled vaccines were given to staff at most study sites, although the amount given varied widely. These variations meant that staff receiving lower incentives were not motivated to promote non-scheduled vaccines if their workload was high; on the contrary, those receiving higher incentives were more likely to promote these vaccines. Health professionals need more guidance on how to recommend unscheduled vaccines in an informative, positive and appropriate manner. It is evident that parents’ awareness of these vaccines, and their economic circumstances, influence vaccinators recommendation practice. Economic incentives prompted health professionals to recommend non-scheduled vaccines; however, the application of such staff incentives varied widely in China. To adopt appropriate economic incentives, professional organizations should develop protocols for the use of incentives that account for their influence on recommendation practices. Suitable recommendation policy needs to balance basic salaries with performance-based incentives, consider overall workload, and include monitoring and evaluation of economic incentives.
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Kabamba Nzaji M, Kabamba Ngombe L, Ngoie Mwamba G, Banza Ndala DB, Mbidi Miema J, Luhata Lungoyo C, Lora Mwimba B, Cikomola Mwana Bene A, Mukamba Musenga E. Acceptability of Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pragmat Obs Res 2020; 11:103-109. [PMID: 33154695 PMCID: PMC7605960 DOI: 10.2147/por.s271096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to estimate the acceptability of a future vaccine against COVID-19 and associated factors if offered in Congolese health-care workers (HCWs), since they have the highest direct exposure to the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 23 Congolese referral hospitals, including three university hospitals, located in three towns from March through 30 April 2020. The main outcome variable was healthcare workers' acceptance of a future vaccine against COVID-19. The associated factors of vaccination willingness were identified through a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A sample of 613 HCWs participated in the study and completed the study questionnaire, including 312 (50.9%) men and 301 (49.1%) women. Only 27.7% of HCWs said that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine if it was available. From the logistic regression analysis, male healthcare workers (ORa=1.17, 95% CI: 1.15-2.60), primarily doctors (ORa=1.59; 95% CI:1.03-2.44) and having a positive attitude towards a COVID-19 vaccine (ORa=11.49; 95% CI: 5.88-22.46) were significantly associated with reporting willingness to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION For acceptability of vaccination against COVID-19 among others education among HCWs is crucial because health professionals' attitudes about vaccines are an important determinant of their own vaccine uptake and their likelihood of recommending the vaccine to their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Kabamba Nzaji
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kamina, Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Leon Kabamba Ngombe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kamina, Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Nursing Care Section, Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Deca Blood Banza Ndala
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Community Health Section, Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Mbuji-Mayi, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Judith Mbidi Miema
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Christophe Luhata Lungoyo
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Bertin Lora Mwimba
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Aimé Cikomola Mwana Bene
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Elisabeth Mukamba Musenga
- Ministry of Health, National Expanded Program for Immunization, Operational Research Unit, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Pelullo CP, Esposito MR, Di Giuseppe G. Human Papillomavirus Infection and Vaccination: Knowledge and Attitudes among Nursing Students in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101770. [PMID: 31109133 PMCID: PMC6572142 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination in Italy. The survey was conducted among a sample of 556 nursing students. Almost all reported that they had heard about HPV infection, while only 36.5% knew the risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Those who had heard about HPV infection during their degree program were more likely to know risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. The majority of students (65.3%) reported that they would be willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Moreover, 91.7% of participants reported that they were willing, as future health care operators, to recommend the HPV vaccine to others. Those who knew risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine, and those who knew that cervical cancer could be prevented by the HPV vaccine expressed this positive attitude about willingness to recommend the HPV vaccine. These results highlight the need to supplement nursing students' specific education, to improve their knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Paola Pelullo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Gabriella Di Giuseppe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
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Patel H, Austin-Smith K, Sherman SM, Tincello D, Moss EL. Knowledge, attitudes and awareness of the human papillomavirus amongst primary care practice nurses: an evaluation of current training in England. J Public Health (Oxf) 2018; 39:601-608. [PMID: 27412177 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incorporation of Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing into the English cervical screening programme has been met with fear and anxiety. Healthcare professionals need to be adequately informed about HPV to help alleviate patient concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HPV training provided to practice nurses (PNs) and determine their level of HPV knowledge. Method A web-based survey was distributed to 147 General Practice surgeries in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland regions, between May and July 2015. The survey explored four broad areas; demographics/level of experience, HPV knowledge, attitudes towards the HPV vaccine and self-perceived adequacy of HPV knowledge. Results A total of 128 surveys were completed, with 94 complete responses. Overall awareness of basic HPV facts was adequate; however, detailed, and in some cases basic, knowledge was lacking. 9.6% failed to identify that HPV can cause cervical cancer and 62.8% believed that HPV requires treatment. Not all PNs felt adequately informed about HPV and a need to improve the provision of training was identified. Conclusion PNs play a key role in increasing public awareness of HPV and implementing cervical cancer screening. The provision of education to PNs needs to be a priority and current methods of training need to be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Patel
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leicester, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - K Austin-Smith
- Department of Gynaecology, Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, KetteringNN16 8UZ, UK
| | | | - D Tincello
- University of Leicester, Centre for Medicine, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - E L Moss
- University Hospitals Leicester, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
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Rajiah K, Maharajan MK, Fang Num KS, How Koh RC. Knowledge about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer: Predictors of HPV Vaccination among Dental Students. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2017; 18:1573-1579. [PMID: 28669170 PMCID: PMC6373794 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2017.18.6.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study is to determine the influence of dental students’ knowledge and attitude regarding human papillomavirus infection of cervical cancer on willingness to pay for vaccination. Basic research design: A convenience sampling method was used. The minimal sample size of 136 was calculated using the Raosoft calculator with a 5 % margin of error and 95% confidence level. Participants: The study population were all final year dental students from the School of Dentistry. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure knowledge levels and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus vaccination. Contingent valuation was conducted for willingness to pay for vaccination. Main outcome measures: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that human papillomavirus are associated with oropharynx cancer and the American Dental Association insist on expanding public awareness of the oncogenic potential of some HPV infections. Thus, as future dental practitioners, dental students should be aware of human papillomavirus and their links with cancer and the benefits of vaccination. Results: Knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer did not impact on attitudes towards vaccines. However, significant correlation existed between knowledge and willingness to pay for vaccination. Conclusions: Dental students’ knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer has no influence on their attitude towards HPV vaccines. However, their willingness to pay for HPV vaccination is influenced by their knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingston Rajiah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia.
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Venturas C, Umeh K. Health professional feedback on HPV vaccination roll-out in a developing country. Vaccine 2017; 35:1886-1891. [PMID: 28291647 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, Zambia has the highest cervical cancer incidence rates (58.4/100,000 per year) and mortality rates (36.2/100,000 per year). The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is considered a vital preventative measure against cervical cancer, particularly in sub-Saharan countries, such as Zambia. Past research suggests health professionals' experiences with HPV vaccination rollout can have practical implications for effective delivery. OBJECTIVE To explore health professionals' perspectives on the HPV vaccination programme in Zambia. METHODS Researcher travelled to Zambia and conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen health professionals working in private, government, and missionary clinics/hospitals. Observation was conducted for triangulation purposes. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS Five main themes emerged; medical misconceptions about the HPV vaccination, particularly with regards to infertility; fear of the unknown, including possible side effects and inadequate empirical research; need for prior desensitisation to resolve cultural barriers prior to vaccination rollout; a rural-urban divide in health awareness, particularly in relation to cancer vaccines; and economic concerns associated with access to the HPV vaccination for most of the Zambian population. CONCLUSION Overall, the findings indicate that an essential avenue for facilitating HPV vaccination rollout in Zambia is by implementing a pre-rollout community effort that removes or softens cultural barriers, particularly in rural areas. It is also essential to correct erroneous HPV presumptions health professionals may have around infertility. Affordability remains a seemingly intractable hindrance that hampers HPV vaccination rollout in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collette Venturas
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom
| | - Kanayo Umeh
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom.
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Paterson P, Meurice F, Stanberry LR, Glismann S, Rosenthal SL, Larson HJ. Vaccine hesitancy and healthcare providers. Vaccine 2016; 34:6700-6706. [PMID: 27810314 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While most people vaccinate according to the recommended schedule, this success is challenged by individuals and groups who delay or refuse vaccines. The aim of this article is to review studies on vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers (HCPs), and the influences of their own vaccine confidence and vaccination behaviour on their vaccination recommendations to others. The search strategy was developed in Medline and then adapted across several multidisciplinary mainstream databases including Embase Classic & Embase, and PschInfo. All foreign language articles were included if the abstract was available in English. A total of 185 articles were included in the literature review. 66% studied the vaccine hesitancy among HCPs, 17% analysed concerns, attitudes and/or behaviour of HCPs towards vaccinating others, and 9% were about evaluating intervention(s). Overall, knowledge about particular vaccines, their efficacy and safety, helped to build HCPs own confidence in vaccines and their willingness to recommend vaccines to others. The importance of societal endorsement and support from colleagues was also reported. In the face of emerging vaccine hesitancy, HCPs still remain the most trusted advisor and influencer of vaccination decisions. The capacity and confidence of HCPs, though, are stretched as they are faced with time constraints, increased workload and limited resources, and often have inadequate information or training support to address parents' questions. Overall, HCPs need more support to manage the quickly evolving vaccine environment as well as changing public, especially those who are reluctant or refuse vaccination. Some recommended strategies included strengthening trust between HCPs, health authorities and policymakers, through more shared involvement in the establishment of vaccine recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Paterson
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - François Meurice
- GSK Vaccines, Avenue Fleming 20, Parc de la Noire Epine, B-1300 Wavre, Belgium.
| | - Lawrence R Stanberry
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Steffen Glismann
- GSK Vaccines, Avenue Fleming 20, Parc de la Noire Epine, B-1300 Wavre, Belgium.
| | - Susan L Rosenthal
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Heidi J Larson
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Finocchario-Kessler S, Wexler C, Maloba M, Mabachi N, Ndikum-Moffor F, Bukusi E. Cervical cancer prevention and treatment research in Africa: a systematic review from a public health perspective. BMC Womens Health 2016; 16:29. [PMID: 27259656 PMCID: PMC4893293 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-016-0306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women living in Africa experience the highest burden of cervical cancer. Research and investment to improve vaccination, screening, and treatment efforts are critically needed. We systematically reviewed and characterized recent research within a broader public health framework to organize and assess the range of cervical cancer research in Africa. METHODS We searched online databases and the Internet for published articles and cervical cancer reports in African countries. Inclusion criteria included publication between 2004 and 2014, cervical cancer-related content pertinent to one of the four public health categories (primary, secondary, tertiary prevention or quality of life), and conducted in or specifically relevant to countries or regions within the African continent. The study design, geographic region/country, focus of research, and key findings were documented for each eligible article and summarized to illustrate the weight and research coverage in each area. Publications with more than one focus (e.g. secondary and tertiary prevention) were categorized by the primary emphasis of the paper. Research specific to HIV-infected women or focused on feasibility issues was delineated within each of the four public health categories. RESULTS A total of 380 research articles/reports were included. The majority (54.6 %) of cervical cancer research in Africa focused on secondary prevention (i.e., screening). The number of publication focusing on primary prevention (23.4 %), particularly HPV vaccination, increased significantly in the past decade. Research regarding the treatment of precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer is emerging (17.6 %), but infrastructure and feasibility challenges in many countries have impeded efforts to provide and evaluate treatment. Studies assessing aspects of quality of life among women living with cervical cancer are severely limited (4.1 %). Across all categories, 11.3 % of publications focused on cervical cancer among HIV-infected women, while 17.1 % focused on aspects of feasibility for cervical cancer control efforts. CONCLUSIONS Cervical cancer research in African countries has increased steadily over the past decade, but more is needed. Tertiary prevention (i.e. treatment of disease with effective medicine) and quality of life of cervical cancer survivors are two severely under-researched areas. Similarly, there are several countries in Africa with little to no research ever conducted on cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Wexler
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - May Maloba
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Natabhona Mabachi
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - Florence Ndikum-Moffor
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Hoque ME. Factors influencing the recommendation of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine by South African doctors working in a tertiary hospital. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:567-75. [PMID: 27605973 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, HPV vaccination programme has been incorporated recently in the school health system. Since doctors are the most trusted people regarding health issues in general, their knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infections and vaccination are very important for HPV vaccine program nationally. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to recommendation of HPV vaccines to the patients. METHODS This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 320 doctors, using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS All the doctors were aware of HPV and knew that HPV is transmitted sexually. Their overall level of knowledge regarding HPV infections and HPV vaccine was poor. But the majority intended to prescribe the vaccine to their patients. It was found that doctors who knew that HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for >90% of anogenital warts, their patients would comply with the counselling regarding HPV vaccination, and received sufficient information about HPV vaccination were 5.68, 4.91 and 4.46 times respectively more likely to recommend HPV vaccination to their patients, compared to their counterparts (p<0.05). CONCLUSION There was a knowledge gap regarding HPV infection and HPV vaccine among the doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ehsanul Hoque
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus) - Graduate School of Business and Leadership
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Yanikkerem E, Koker G. Knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers towards HPV vaccination among nurses in Turkey: a longitudinal study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:7693-702. [PMID: 25292048 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.18.7693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papilloma virus (HPV) occurs in women of all age groups, and causes cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. The aim of the study was to discover what nurses know about HPV infection, testing and vaccination and to determine vaccine practice of their daughters and perceived barriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out nurses who have worked in a hospital between January and June 2014. Pre-test and post-test were used to evaluate the nurses' knowledge about HPV infection, testing and vaccination. This study was performed with nurses who had girls between 9 and 26 years of age for evaluating the behavior of vaccination after three months of education. RESULTS The mean of pre-test and post-test scores about HPV infection, which included 22 items, were 8.2±5.6 and 19.2±1.5, respectively. Before education the HPV testing knowledge score was remarkably poor (1.9±1.7 over 5), after education it increased to 4.8±0.5. The mean HPV vaccine knowledge score were 3.7±2.7 (pre-test) 7.3±0.8 (post-test) on a 0-8 scale. The difference between mean total pre-test (13.9±9.1) and post-test (31.3±1.9) scores was statistically significant (p<0.001). After three months of education, only two of the nurses' daughters were vaccinated. The main reason was noted by nurses were not willing to be vaccinated was cost, doubts about safety and efficacy related to the vaccine. About one-third of nurses declared that they would receive the vaccine for their daughter later. CONCLUSIONS Nurses have a crucial role in the prevention, treatment, increasing public awareness and care for population. The education of the nurses about HPV infection, test and vaccination will play an important part decreasing cancer mortality and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Yanikkerem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, School of Health, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey E-mail :
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