Lack of knowledge and awareness on cervical cancer vaccination hinders the administration of HPV vaccination among the health care professionals

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in India. This study was conducted regarding current awareness about cervical cancer, which is helpful in designing educational programs and to overcome barriers associated for knowledge enhancement about cervical cancer and its screening & vaccination. Methods : This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 318 health care professionals working in tertiary hospitals across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A semi-structured questionnaire with 31 items was developed by the researchers to explore the knowledge and attitudes on cervical cancer, cervical cancer prevention and HPV(Human Papilloma Virus)vaccination. Results: Among the 318 respondents, 90.6% were aware of cervical cancer, but only 29.2% had done screening against cervical cancer and 19.8% got vaccinated. 94.7% of the study subjects heard of HPV and 86.2% knew that HPV causes cervical cancer. 83.3% people knew that PAP( Papanicolaou) smear test detects the cervical cancer. But, only 29.2% had PAP test. 68.2% of the study subjects knew that cancer cervix can be prevented by vaccination. But only 19.8% got vaccinated .Only 34.9% know that HPV vaccine can be given to boys. Most common reason for not getting vaccination was lack of awareness. 77.2% in our study are willing for vaccination and recommendation to their friends and family members. Conclusion: Lack of awareness with regard to the cervical cancer could be the possible hurdle for the HPV vaccination among the health professionals.