Investigating HPV- and HPV Vaccine-Related Knowledge, Perceptions, and Information Sources among Health Care Providers in Three Big Cities in China

Abstract

The limited access to vaccination and vaccine hesitancy are prevalent even among health care providers in less developed countries. This study assessed the relationships between (i) health care providers' knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination for HPV and (ii) their perceptions, demographic characteristics, and the use of information sources. In this large-scale online survey, participants (<i>n</i> = 1394) were recruited from hospitals of three big cities in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen). Descriptive analysis, the chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to answer different research questions. Health care providers' overall knowledge scores are consistent with their perceptions about HPV and HPV vaccine. Occupation, specialty, the type of hospitals, and the frequency of participants' search for information using professional informational sources are the most significant characteristics that are closely associated with their knowledge of HPV and its vaccine. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve health care providers' engagement in the promotion of the HPV vaccine. Such interventions, besides increasing knowledge, should also emphasize the importance of appropriate information sources to acquire information.