Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Towards HPV And HPV Vaccine Among Family Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Bayan T. Alnefaie Medical Intern, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0668-0855
  • Danah S. AlAli Medical Intern, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1041-2506
  • Fatimah F. Al Qattan Medical Intern, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA.
  • Hawra W. Al Abdulmohsen Medical Intern, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7001-1428
  • Fatimah E. Alhassan Medical student, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA.
  • Batool A. Alshehab Medical student, King Faisal University, Alhasa, KSA.
  • Suha J. Albahrani Family Medicine consultant & diabetologist, King Faisal University, KSA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v5i2.137

Keywords:

HPV vaccine , Family Physicians , Saudi arabia ,awareness

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted viral infection and a major risk factor for cervical cancer. The HPV vaccines can prevent HPV infection and, ultimately, cervical cancer. Despite vaccination programs in Saudi Arabia, family medicine physicians play a crucial role in providing patients with information about the HPV vaccine. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of family medicine physicians towards HPV vaccination.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, from June to September 2023, among family medicine physicians using a validated online questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the HPV vaccine.

Results: A total of 141 physicians responded to the questionnaire. 49.6% of the respondents have knowledge about the three types of HPV vaccines, while 12.8% were unaware of any type of HPV vaccine. 73.8% of physicians recommended the HPV vaccine to sexually active patients. Moreover, 31 (22%) physicians believed that vaccination should not be mandatory.

Conclusion: To enhance family medicine physicians' knowledge and practices regarding the HPV vaccine, more effective educational programs and campaigns are necessary. These professionals play a crucial role in influencing and educating patients.

 

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Published

2025-05-17

How to Cite

1.
Bayan T. Alnefaie, Danah S. AlAli, Fatimah F. Al Qattan, Hawra W. Al Abdulmohsen, Fatimah E. Alhassan, Batool A. Alshehab, Suha J. Albahrani. Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Towards HPV And HPV Vaccine Among Family Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia. SMHJ [Internet]. 2025 May 17 [cited 2025 Jun. 1];5(2):102-10. Available from: https://smh-j.com/smhj/article/view/137

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Original Articles