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Factors influencing HPV vaccine delivery by healthcare professionals at public health posts in São Paulo, Brazil
Author(s) -
FigueroaDowning Daniella,
Baggio Maria Luiza,
Baker Misha L.,
Dias De Oliveira Chiang Ellen,
Villa Luisa L.,
Eluf Neto Jose,
Evans Dabney P.,
Bednarczyk Robert A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.12004
Subject(s) - medicine , health professionals , health care , public health , environmental health , nursing , family medicine , economics , economic growth
Objective To assess the association between Brazilian healthcare providers' characteristics and their knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding the HPV vaccine. Methods An observational cross‐sectional study was conducted at five public health posts in São Paulo between July 28 and August 8, 2014. Healthcare professionals directly involved in patient care were asked to complete a written survey. Factors associated with routine verification of HPV vaccination status were evaluated using Poisson regression. Results Among 200 participants included, 74 (38.5%) reported never and 70 (36.5%) reported always asking about HPV immunization status. Doctors were significantly less likely to report always asking than were community health agents (5/39 [12.8%] vs 32/60 [53.3%]; adjusted prevalence ratio [ aPR ] 0.25 [95% confidence interval ( CI ) 0.07–0.91]). Knowledge about the correct dosing schedule was associated with always rather than never verifying vaccination status ( aPR 2.46 [95% CI 1.06–5.70]). Conclusion Knowledge and attitude played secondary roles in influencing HPV vaccine verification. Community health agents were crucial for vaccine promotion; continued education and support of this group is essential for the sustained success of HPV immunization efforts in Brazil.