Knowledge of university of Nairobi registrars working in Kenyatta national hospital towards the human papilloma vaccine in adolescents.

Abstract

Background: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an asexually transmitted viral infection affecting men and women. HPV has been strongly associated with cervical, oral, pharyngeal and anal, cancers. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths with over 70% of cases attributed to oncogenic HPV. With the advent of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine, there has been a significant decline in HPV related conditions. There is strong evidence that a healthcare worker’s knowledge and attitude towards a vaccine is a key determinant to whether or not they recommend it for use to patients and subsequent uptake (1). Post-graduate medical doctors (Registrars) in KNH spend a significant amount of time interacting with patients and their parents and are well placed in providing information about and addressing any concerns that may arise concerning the HPV vaccine. Objective: To determine the knowledge of the UON registrars working at KNH on the HPV vaccines as prospective key players in the implementation of the HPV vaccine. Study design: A cross-sectional survey among registrars working in Kenyatta National Hospital. Methods: Data was collected through a self-administered pretested digital questionnaire. The participants were registrars in all wards and outpatient clinical areas in the department of Internal Medicine (IM), Obstetrics and gynaecology (Obs & Gyn), Paediatrics and Child health (PCH) and Surgical disciplines. Data analysis: Bivariate and multivariable analysis was carried out to relate HPV vaccine knowledge attitude and practice with socio-demographic characteristics. Main outcome measures: to ascertain the knowledge and attitude of UON registrars towards the HPV vaccine. Results: The overall proportion of all the participants that had good knowledge was 33(37.1%) The proportion of residents with good knowledge (overall score >75%) was OBS & GYN at 58.1% (18/31), IM 31.3% (5/16), PCH30.4% (7/23) and Surgery at 15.8% (3/19) [p=0.02]. Conclusions: There was poor knowledge about the HPV vaccine.