Knowledge and Attitudes of Physicians and Nurses in Turkey Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination of Their Children

Aim This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of physicians and nurses as parents about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and their views on vaccination in children. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 72 physicians and 128 nurses who had children. Data were collected using questionnaires prepared by researchers. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results In this study, 84.7% of physicians and 70.3% of the nurses knew that HPV is a cancer factor, and two-thirds of the healthcare professionals believed that the HPV vaccine is protective. Moreover, 62.5% of physicians and 74.2% of nurses reported that they did not intend to vaccinate their children. The reasons for vaccination hesitancy of healthcare professionals was believing it was unnecessary, thinking it was expensive, having insufficient knowledge about vaccine, thinking it may have side effects, and not trusting the vaccine. In this sample, 70.8% of physicians and 53.9% of nurses stated that they could have their children vaccinated only if the HPV vaccines were in the national vaccination schedule. Discussion Further studies should be conducted to include the HPV vaccine in the childhood national vaccination program to reduce vaccine hesitancy.