Actions speak louder than words; pediatricians, gynecologists, nurses, and other mothers’ perspectives on the human papillomavirus vaccine: an Istanbul multicenter study

TL;DR

This study explores how healthcare professionals and mothers in Istanbul view HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention, finding that medical professionals have better knowledge but sometimes neglect their own screenings.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the perspectives and practices of healthcare professionals and mothers regarding HPV vaccination in Istanbul.

Findings

Gynecologists and pediatricians showed better understanding of cervical cancer risk factors and prevention.

Physician mothers and their children had higher vaccination rates compared to other groups.

Medical professionals performed more Pap smears but often neglected their own screening needs.

Abstract

Gynecologists and pediatricians have an essential duty to prevent cervical cancer. In this study, we compared the compliance of gynecologists (n = 22) and pediatricians (n = 49) with nurse/midwife (n = 66) and non-medical moms (n = 120) with regards to cervical cancer precautions.

A questionnaire was used to gather data on their demographics, personal vaccination and screening practices, children’s immunization status, and awareness of cervical cancer prevention.

The findings demonstrated that gynecologists and pediatricians were better than others at understanding the risk factors and prevention of cervical cancer. It was noted that compared to other groups, physician mothers and their offspring had higher vaccination rates (n = 13, 18.3%; n = 10, 29.4%, respectively). Medical professionals typically provided thorough and accurate answers to informational questions. More frequent Pap smear tests were performed by gynecologists. It was noted that mothers who worked as pediatricians and nurses/midwives neglected their own screening needs.

This questionnaire survey sought to ascertain Istanbul’s health professionals’ present opinions regarding HPV vaccination. Healthcare professionals should be the first to receive information on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer incidence reduction. The public could then readily use them as an example.