Knowledge and attitudes of allied health personnel in university hospital related to human papilloma virus and the vaccine

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of allied health personnel at a university hospital on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, transmission and prevention ways, its relation with cancer and HPV vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study entitled as "Evaluation questionnaire for the knowledge and attitudes about HPV" was performed on 192 allied health personnel at Hitit University Hospital. The questionnaire contained 32 questions prepared by taking the studies previously performed as model. The questionnaire form was composed of 3 main Parts 1-basic data of the health personnel, 2-knowledge on HPV infection and HPV cervical cancer relation, 3-attitude against HPV vaccination. Results: The basic properties of 192 allied health personnel who participated the survey was evaluated. It was detected that 87.5% of participants correctly knew the cancer virus relationship, 56.2% HPV transmission ways, 86.5% reasons of cervical cancer. 90.3% of participants had a knowledge about HPV vaccine (p <0.001). But only 1% of participants was vaccinated. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was shown that knowledge and attitudes of allied health personnel on HPV and its vaccine were not sufficient as desired. The level of knowledge was more satisfactory in nurses and midwifes than others. The vaccination ratio in all groups was too small. Therefore, all allied health personnel must be educated about HPV and the vaccine as a part of national health projects. This process must also be focused on issues that will change the attitudes and inspire confidence about HPV vaccine.