Pediatric Oncology Providers' HPV Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, and Practice after Communication Training: A Comparison with a National Survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations prevent HPV infection and related cancers. Despite being at higher risk of secondary cancers linked to HPV, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are undervaccinated. This study aimed to compare pediatric oncology providers' knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and practices regarding HPV vaccination among those who participated in a multilevel educational HPV vaccine program with those of a national sample of oncology providers.

METHODS

Between February and March 2023, 39 providers from five pediatric oncology clinics in Texas completed online surveys, assessing knowledge about CCS risk for HPV-related cancers, attitudes towards the HPV vaccine, and confidence in recommending the vaccine to CCS. The results were compared with a national survey of providers conducted in 2019 (n = 195).

RESULTS

The findings showed that providers who participated in our program had greater knowledge of CCS increased risk for HPV-related cancers (96% vs. 38%; < 0.001); greater confidence in discussing and recommending the HPV vaccine (100% vs. 66%, < 0.001) and addressing parental concerns (100% vs. 69%, < 0.001); and a more positive attitude about oncology providers than general pediatricians, recommending (96% vs. 71%; = 0.006) and administering the HPV vaccine to CCS (96% vs. 53%, < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of educating oncology providers about the increased risk of CCS and improving their self-efficacy to recommend the HPV vaccine, promoting vaccination in the oncology setting.