A survey of Jordanian obstetricians and gynecologists' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus infection and vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian obstetricians and gynecologists toward human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its vaccine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 400 participants attending scientific meetings. The survey focused on three areas: knowledge of HPV infection, vaccine, and attitude toward vaccination of female adolescents.

RESULTS: Survey response rate was of 72.3%. The vast majority knew most of the statements related to knowledge of HPV infection, 66% thought that conventional screening Pap test have a sensitivity of > 75%, and only 44% of them knew that there are 13 to 17 HPV types that cause cervical cancer. The majority of the respondents (79%) knew that the vaccine would lead to long lasting immunity and 45% of the respondents thought that the vaccination would eliminate the need for regular Pap test. The majority (78%) indicated that the vaccine should be given to girls before the beginning of sexually active life. Overall, 67.5% of respondents intend to prescribe HPV vaccines and 79.6% of the respondents intend to recommend the vaccine if it is publicly funded.

CONCLUSION: Most of the gynecologists in Jordan have the intention to recommend HPV vaccine, the deficit in their knowledge of HPV infection and vaccine must be corrected to assure acceptability of the vaccine.