HPV Vaccination in Hong Kong: Implications for Medical Education

Abstract

Objective. To explore the experience and attitudes of physicians in clinics, and to facilitate physicians’promotion of HPV vaccination. Data Sources. Primary data collected from conducting semi-structural indepthinterviews from May to June 2010 with 12 physicians in one district in Hong Kong to understand theirexperience of providing HPV vaccines, the difficulties in promoting HPV vaccines, and their attitudes towardsHPV vaccination. Study Design. Physicians identified 4 categories of factors related to their experiences of andattitudes to providing HPV vaccination: (a) background information on HPV vaccination provided by physicians,(b) factors influencing women to receive vaccination, (c) physicians’ recommendations to the public on HPVvaccines, and (d) physicians’ perspectives on HPV vaccine promotion. Conclusions. Our findings show thatpublic knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer is insufficient and the role of government in vaccine promotionis unclear. Promotion strategies such as physicians’ recommendation, financial assistance and health educationprovided by the government will influence HPV vaccination and its promotion.