Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of primary health care workers regarding HPV infection and prevention: an example from Türkiye

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Turkish primary health care workers (HCWs) regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, screening, and vaccines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with family physicians and nurses/midwives working in family health centers (FHC) in Sivas province in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye between January 1, 2023 and February 15, 2023. The sociodemographic data form and HPV Knowledge Scale were used. The independent sample t-test, the F test (ANOVA) (post hoc Bonferroni test), and the chi-squared test were performed. Results: The study was conducted with a total of 275 HCWs. Of the HCWs, 57.5% were nurses/midwives and 69.8% were female. All HCWs had heard of HPV, 97.8% had heard of the HPV test, and 84% had heard of the HPV vaccine. 79.3% had not recommended the HPV vaccine to pre-adolescents and 51.6% to people at risk. The most common reasons for this were the lack of information about HPV vaccines, their expense, and the lack of coverage by the government. The part with the lowest level of HPV knowledge was about the HPV vaccine. The total score of the scale was higher in males, physicians, and those who were working in the FHC unit where the adolescent rate was below 10%, in those who recommended the HPV vaccine, and in those who had not recommended the vaccine because it is expensive and not covered by the government. Conclusion: It is recommended to improve the lack of knowledge among HCWs, mainly those serving the adolescent population, about HPV vaccines. Government coverage of HPV vaccines may play a role in increasing the rate at which HCWs recommend these vaccines.