Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.
2
Women’s Health Center, MedPark Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
3
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
4
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
5
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand.
6
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
7
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
8
Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening among obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs), residents, and gynecologic oncology fellows in Thailand. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey (September 2024-June 2025) was conducted using a content-validated questionnaire. Domains (numbers of items) included knowledge about HPV (7), HPV vaccination (13), and screening (10), attitudes (14), and practices (6). Composite ‘good’ knowledge thresholds were pre-specified (HPV 5-7/7; screening 7-10/10; vaccination 10-13/13; total 22-30/30). Associations with good total knowledge were examined. Results: Of 227 respondents, 74.5% were female, and 83.7% worked in government hospitals. Overall, good knowledge was observed in 55.5%. A wide range of good knowledge was found in each domain: HPV (71.0%), vaccination (41.8%), and screening (87.7%). Frequent misconceptions (incorrect answers) were about the benefits of HPV vaccination in HPV infection clearance (52.8%) and the necessity for HPV testing in men with infected partners (35.7%). The majority agreed or strongly agreed that self-collected and healthcare-collected HPV tests were equally effective (66.5%). In multivariable analysis, years of practice was the only independent factor associated with overall good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14; p = 0.010). Conclusion: Thai OB-GYN practitioners showed good overall knowledge, especially those with more experience, and positive attitudes toward cervical screening. However, a knowledge gap in HPV vaccination was observed, highlighting the need for continuing education on vaccination.
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