Reserching the knowledge, reaction and sight of family medicine doctors about HPV vaccine

Introduction and Purpose: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. The primary etiologic agent of cervical cancer is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are vaccines produced for primary immunization against HPV infection. The aim of our study is to assess the attitudes, behaviors and level of information about HPV vaccination of family physicians in Turkey. Material and Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between 01.10.2017 and 01.04.2018. The questionnaire developed by the researchers was sent to 2530 family physicians via social media networks. 247 responses were collected during the study period. Return rate of the responses was 9%. Results: 203 (82.2%) of the participants were female and 44 (17.8%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 34,29 ± 6,91, and the mean duration of service was 8,81 ± 7,47 years. While 143 (57.9%) of the participants were working in metropolitan areas, 129 (52%) were physicians working in the Family Health Center. 207 (83.8%) of the physicians who participated in the study reported that the Ministry of Health recommended any of the special vaccines that are not in the national vaccination calendar. When family physicians were asked what special vaccines they recommended to their patients, 198 (80.2%) were route vaccine, 119 (48.2%) were meningococcal vaccine, 137 (55.5%) were influenza vaccine, 11 (4%) were HPV vaccine, 3 (1%) pneumococcal vaccination they suggested. The level of knowledge of the family physicians about the HPV vaccine was as follows. 181 of the participants (73%) know that the vaccine two varieties in Turkey, 131 (53%) vaccine is administered in three doses, 156 (63%) the vaccine intramuscularly administered. Only 105 (42.5%) of the participants knew that they could be made to boys and girls after 9 years of age. However, 25 (10%) believed that the vaccine could only be applied to sexually active women. Only 62 (25%) of physicians know that the specific vaccine for the virus type's protection is 100% and 143 (57.9%) physicians know that the spesific vaccine 70% protective for the cervical cancer. Discussion and Conclusion: Our research is the first study about family physicians' HPV vaccination in our country. Although the data were based on the physician's statement, family physicians' HPV vaccination rates were low compared to the literature. The most important factor affecting vaccination is the lack of knowledge and experience of physicians and economic reasons. The obstacles to the widespread use of the vaccine should be examined by politicians and effective steps should be taken. Keywords: Family physician, Human Papilloma Virus, vaccine