Uncovering Gaps in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on HPV Vaccination Among Cape Town’s Healthcare Workers
1
Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health , Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA) and NITAG Support Hub (NISH), School of Public, Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
3
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3028
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Persistent Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in South Africa. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in shaping patients’ confidence and acceptance of vaccines. However, gaps in HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) can limit their ability to provide accurate information and strong recommendations. This study assessed KAP related to HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination, and the associated factors, among HCWs in Cape Town, South Africa.
METHODS:
We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study among HCWs working in obstetrics and gynaecology departments, maternity hospitals, and midwife obstetric units in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Health District. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics and KAP, and modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS:
401 HCWs participated, median age was 37 years (IQR: 30–48); most were female (90.3%) and nurses or midwives (70%). 38.6% had good knowledge, with higher scores for HPV infection and cervical cancer (52.8%) than HPV vaccination (12.5%). Positive attitudes were observed in 61.8% of participants, while favourable practice was reported by only 15%. Higher knowledge scores were associated with positive attitudes (aPR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02; p < 0.001) and favourable practice (aPR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03–1.06; p < 0.001). Knowledge of HPV, its viral aetiology, and vaccine availability strongly predicted both attitudes and practices. Attitude-related factors, including perceived susceptibility and intention to vaccinate, were also significant predictors, whereas concern about side effects was negatively associated with practice.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving HCWs’ capacity, including vaccine‑specific knowledge, will ultimately lead to a higher vaccine acceptance and uptake, reduce the cervical cancer burden, and advance progress toward WHO’s global elimination targets, particularly in resource‑limited settings.
Persistent Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in South Africa. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in shaping patients’ confidence and acceptance of vaccines. However, gaps in HCWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) can limit their ability to provide accurate information and strong recommendations. This study assessed KAP related to HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccination, and the associated factors, among HCWs in Cape Town, South Africa.
METHODS:
We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study among HCWs working in obstetrics and gynaecology departments, maternity hospitals, and midwife obstetric units in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Health District. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics and KAP, and modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS:
401 HCWs participated, median age was 37 years (IQR: 30–48); most were female (90.3%) and nurses or midwives (70%). 38.6% had good knowledge, with higher scores for HPV infection and cervical cancer (52.8%) than HPV vaccination (12.5%). Positive attitudes were observed in 61.8% of participants, while favourable practice was reported by only 15%. Higher knowledge scores were associated with positive attitudes (aPR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02; p < 0.001) and favourable practice (aPR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03–1.06; p < 0.001). Knowledge of HPV, its viral aetiology, and vaccine availability strongly predicted both attitudes and practices. Attitude-related factors, including perceived susceptibility and intention to vaccinate, were also significant predictors, whereas concern about side effects was negatively associated with practice.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving HCWs’ capacity, including vaccine‑specific knowledge, will ultimately lead to a higher vaccine acceptance and uptake, reduce the cervical cancer burden, and advance progress toward WHO’s global elimination targets, particularly in resource‑limited settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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