Effect of training on knowledge about cervical cancer and Human Papiloma Virus vaccine among health care personnel in Benin City

Abstract

Background: Although the HPV vaccine is available for a fee in Nigeria it is not yet in the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) which is free. Health care workers can play an important role in improving uptake of the vaccine and in advocating for its inclusion in the NPI. However, this role may be limited by lack of knowledge. This study assessed the effect of training on health care workers’ knowledge of HPV, its relationship with cervical cancer and the role of HPV vaccine in prevention.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study examined the responses to pre and post test evaluation of the knowledge and practice of health care workers from Benin City with regards to HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccines at a workshop organized to create awareness on the subject matter.
Results: Of the 53 health care workers at the training, 46 (85%) knew that HPV was the causative agent of cervical cancer while only 13 (28.9%) and 15 (32.6%) knew that it was associated with oral and vaginal cancer, respectively. Majority of participants had heard about the HPV vaccine but only 15 (30.6%) had encouraged its use and 7 (14.3%) had prescribed it. Post test result showed marked improvement in most areas evaluated.
Conclusion: The less than satisfactory knowledge of health care workers about HPV and its relationship with anogenital cancers was markedly improved by training. Training of health care workers should be done to address the dearth of knowledge prior to the deployment of the vaccine nationally.

Keywords: Knowledge; Healthcare workers; HPV; HPV vaccine; Cervical cancer