Healthcare workers' perspectives regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine in the Khobar network, Saudi Arabia

Background: It has been suggested that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and screening tests for HPV are necessary to prevent HPV infection. However, low rates of HPV vaccination have been reported in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to assess healthcare workers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) about HPV and its vaccine in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khobar city among a representative sample of the Khobar network of healthcare professionals (n=542). A self-administered questionnaire was employed for data gathering. It consisted of four main parts: socio-demographic characteristics, assessing knowledge regarding cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccines (12 closedended questions), assessing attitude towards the HPV vaccine (8 close-ended questions), and assessing practice/behaviour concerning the HPV vaccine (7 close-ended questions). Results: A total of 223 healthcare workers were included in the study. Almost half (50.2%) of them were females. Their age ranged between 23 years and 60 years, with a mean Standard Deviation (SD) of 38.0 years ± 9.2 years. Overall, 42.9% of the participants expressed inadequate knowledge about cancer cervix, human papillomavirus, and its vaccine. Participants who attended any training activity in cancer cervix prevention and screening were less likely than their peers to express inadequate knowledge (Adjusted odds ratio "aOR"=0.30; 95% confidence interval "CI": 0.16-0.51, p<0.001). Bachelor holders and those with higher education were less likely than those with intermediate Diplomas to express inadequate knowledge (aOR=0.54; 95% CI: 0.29-0.94, p=0.048 and aOR=0.09; 95% CI: 0.03-0.26, p<0.001, respectively). The majority (82.1%) expressed a positive attitude toward cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. With each year of increase in the participant's age, the likelihood of negative attitude towards cancer cervix and HPV vaccine decreased by 15% (aOR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.80-0.91), p<0.001). History of being ever vaccinated for HPV was reported by 55.2% of the participants. Females are significantly more susceptible to being unvaccinated for HPV (aOR=8.06; 95% CI: 4.17-15.57, p<0.001). Participants who attended any training activity in cancer cervix prevention and screening were at 74% lower risk for being not vaccinated for HPV than those who did not participate in such courses (aOR=0.27; 95% CI: 0.14-0.53, p<0.001). Conclusion: There is an overall adequate knowledge about cancer cervix, HPV and its vaccine, positive attitude towards HPV vaccine, and promising practice of HPV vaccine up taking and recommendation to girls aged 16 years-21 years among healthcare workers. However, improving knowledge, attitude, and training of healthcare workers regarding the HPV vaccine are highly needed to overcome HPV infection and cancer cervix epidemics.