HPV vaccine knowledge, attitude and practice among medical doctors in Nigeria

Abstract

Doctors play a key role in providing health information, and their recommendation strongly influences HPV vaccine uptake. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and HPV vaccine recommendation practices among medical doctors in Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 licensed medical doctors practising in Nigeria. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling using an online self-administered questionnaire disseminated via professional networks and doctors’ WhatsApp platforms. The questionnaire assessed knowledge of HPV vaccination, attitudes towards the vaccine, and recommendation practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. The mean age of respondents was 40.6 ± 8.3 years. Most were male (297/462, 64.3%), and 242 (52.4%) had > 11 years of work experience. Overall, 334 (72.3%) doctors had good HPV vaccine knowledge, 360 (77.9%) had a favourable attitude, 378 (81.8%) had advised someone to receive the vaccine, and 436 (94.4%) were willing to recommend it to a family member. Female doctors had higher odds of good knowledge than males (aOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.05–2.85). Compared with consultants, house officers (aOR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05–0.64) and resident doctors (aOR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28–0.94) had lower odds of good knowledge, while obstetricians/gynaecologists, public health physicians, and paediatricians had higher odds than surgeons. Continuous medical education and evidence-based updates on HPV vaccination are needed to strengthen doctors’ knowledge and support consistent HPV vaccine recommendations.