Awareness of HPV and Cervical Cancer Vaccine among PHC Physicians in Kuwait
Background: Cervical cancer, although largely preventable, remains the most common cause of cancer mortality among women. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate primary care physicians’ knowledge regarding cervical cancer occurrence, screening and vaccination as well as HPV. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in the Capital primary health care centers in Kuwait. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all currently working physicians in the selected centers.It included data related to personal characteristics as well as physicians’ knowledge regarding cervical cancer epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, screening and causative agents. Results: The response rate in this study was thus 60.7% with an overall percentage knowledge score of 63.4% ± 8.9% .The mean percentage knowledge score for different domains ranged from 58.5%±15.1 % to 69.2%±17.5%. Conclusion: Physicians’ knowledge regarding cervical cancer was fair. However, certain aspects of knowledge need enhancement.