HPV Knowledge Among Physicians and Their Low-Income Patients: Survey Findings and Approaches for Change

摘要

As part of a randomized clinical trial on cervical cancer screening in a large multi-ethnic U.S. city, we administered a survey about HPV vaccination to 275 primary care physicians and 179 of their female patients selected at random. Results revealed strong intention to vaccinate among physicians, and to receive vaccination among patients. The findings suggest that the Pap smear is a potential "teachable moment" for informed decision making around the HPV vaccine. There is a need both to develop guides to HPV vaccine informed decision making, and for further research on vaccination practices.