Evaluation of human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge among healthcare professionals: a study of conference attendees in Angola

Adalia Ikiroma, Olinda Santin, Joao Camanda, Francisco Chocolate, Osvaldo Pelinganga, Haydee Jordao, Massimo Tommasino, Lynne Lohfeld, Lesley Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
114 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an essential role in cervical cancer development. Angola has a high cervical cancer incidence rate (36.1 per 100,000); therefore, knowledge of HPV among clinicians is essential for the prevention of cervical cancer and educating at-risk individuals. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of HPV among healthcare professionals in Angola. A 44-item questionnaire was distributed to 65 healthcare professionals who attended a conference on the cancer burden in Angola. Non-parametric and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Of the participants (55.6%) were male, and 33.3% were aged 31-40 years, 56.3% had an undergraduate degree, and 35.9% had a postgraduate degree. All participants worked in healthcare in academic and/or clinical settings, with 36.7% in joint contracts. Most (62.2%) knew that early sexual debut increases the risk of contracting HPV, and HPV vaccines are most effective if administered before sexual debut. However, there was limited knowledge regarding the virus transmission. The mean HPV knowledge score was 11.08 ± 8.76 and knowledge was higher among older healthcare workers (>50 years) with a postgraduate degree and working in a clinical role. Overall, HPV knowledge was limited among the respondents. Policymakers should consider promoting knowledge and targeted public health initiatives among healthcare professionals in Angola.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2099931
Number of pages13
JournalGlobal Public Health
Volume18
Issue number1
Early online date18 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 02 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • healthcare
  • Angola
  • human papilloma virus
  • HPV knowledge
  • cervical cancer

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