Assessment of the State of Knowledge about HPV Infection and HPV Vaccination among Polish Resident Doctors

Abstract

HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations have been introduced into the population of many countries through vaccination programs, although their acceptance varies from country to country, largely dependent on the state of knowledge about diseases caused by genital HPV types as well as cultural, social, and religious factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the state of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines among doctors during their specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, dermatology and venereology, and pediatrics. Another objective of the study was to analyze the impact of the state of knowledge about HPV vaccination on their attitude to primary prevention, i.e., vaccinations. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and 639 doctors took part in the study. The analysis was carried out mainly using descriptive statistical methods. In Poland, doctors’ knowledge about HPV is low, independent of gender, age, and subject of specialization. Doctors’ knowledge about the HPV vaccine is very low and independent of sex, age, and subject of specialization. However, doctors’ knowledge about HPV and the HPV vaccine influences the attitude to HPV vaccination and does not affect pro-active behaviors.