A National Survey of Canadian Physicians on HPV: Knowledge, Barriers, and Preventive Practices

Physicians are the sole prescribers of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adults in Canada. This survey of Canadian physicians aimed to explore knowledge, barriers, and preventive practices regarding HPV vaccination. A survey of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 337) and obstetrician/gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) (n = 81) was conducted in May and June 2016 using an online panel. Demographic data and information pertaining to HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices were collected by using a 22-item questionnaire. A total of 83% of GPs recommended or administered HPV vaccine to adults. Among physicians, 99% to 100% strongly agreed that vaccination is an important aspect of disease prevention. Physicians were rarely concerned about vaccine safety (5%–11%). Cost was seen as the number one barrier by 92% to 95% of physicians. Physicians rated consumers’ understanding of HPV to be low (11%–14%, very good; and 49%–56%, somewhat good knowledge). Among physicians, 60% to 66% of said they routinely discussed HPV vaccination with patients. Female physicians demonstrated greater knowledge of HPV than their male counterparts. GPs and obstetrician/gynaecologists routinely recommend and administer the HPV vaccine to patients. The majority of physicians showed high levels of knowledge regarding HPV vaccine and associated cancers; however, perceived barriers of cost may limit recommendations for vaccination, particularly among older women or men. Au Canada, seuls les médecins peuvent prescrire le vaccin anti-VPH pour les adultes. Ce sondage effectué auprès de médecins canadiens visait à explorer les connaissances, les obstacles et les pratiques préventives en matière de vaccination contre le VPH. Un sondage par panel Web a été mené auprès d'omnipraticiens (n = 337) et d'obstétriciens-gynécologues (n = 81) en mai et juin 2016. Un questionnaire comportant 22 items a servi à recueillir des données démographiques ainsi que de l'information sur leurs connaissances sur le VPH, leurs attitudes face au VPH et leurs pratiques vaccinales. Au total, 83 % des omnipraticiens avaient recommandé ou administré le vaccin anti-VPH à des adultes. Entre 99 % et 100 % des médecins étaient fortement d'accord pour dire que la vaccination est un aspect important de la prévention de la maladie. Les répondants étaient rarement inquiets quant à l'innocuité des vaccins (5 % à 11 %) et ils considéraient que le principal obstacle à la vaccination était son coût (92 % à 95 %). Par ailleurs