Doctors’ Attitudes and Practises Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses in the world that causes diseases of the genitourinary system. But it is still not included in the national immunization schedule. Our aim is to find out the attitudes and practices of physicians in Turkey regarding HPV vaccination.
METHODS: The study was qualitative in nature. It was conducted with 14 subjects consisting of specialists in general medicine, family medicine, gynecology and obstetrics, urology, pediatrics and diseases working in Turkey. A thematic framework analysis was used for the analysis.
RESULTS: No notable difference was found in the opinions of the doctors in relation to their age or gender. The analysis revealed three main themes: Prejudice and ignorance about the HPV vaccine, insufficient information to patients about the HPV vaccine, and the need to include the HPV vaccine in the national immunization schedule.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The HPV vaccine is currently a paid vaccine, administered only on demand. Participants cited a lack of knowledge about the vaccine and the cost of the vaccine as the biggest barriers to vaccination. However, it is a vaccine that is considered necessary to be included in the "National Immunisation Schedule".