Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among females globally and in Saudi Arabia. Using human papillomavirus (HPV), the vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence of this type of cancer. The awareness of the public about this preventive measure is largely dependent on the awareness of the healthcare professionals about it.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs) toward the use of the HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in Khamis Mushiat, Saudi Arabia.
Design and Setting: This cross-sectional study included HCPs aged between 25 and 57 years old, who worked in Khamis Mushiat, Saudi Arabia. The study used a questionnaire that collected information on the demographics of the participants, their specialty, and their experience. The second part of the questionnaire included information on the knowledge about the risk of HPV infection and the HPV vaccination. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.
Results: Ninety-six HCPs were included in the analysis. The age group between 20 and 30 years old represented 51%, and 82.3% were Saudi nationals, 49% were married. Also, 27.1% were specialists, where 47.9% had a medical specialty, and 49% were family medicine doctors. The mean score for awareness toward HPV vaccination was 4.5 ± 1.2, out of 10. Significantly higher awareness levels toward HPV vaccine were identified among Saudi nationals (p-value < 0.001), younger age group (p-value = 0.002), married professionals (p-value = 0.006), junior level of practice (p-value < 0.001), medical professionals (p-value < 0.001), and Obstetrics and gynecology specialty (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: The awareness of HCPs toward the HPV vaccine in Saudi Arabia should be improved. Further similar studies are required in other areas in Saudi Arabia.
Key words: Awareness, Knowledge, human papillomavirus, vaccination, Healthcare providers, Saudi Arabia.
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