Pediatrician knowledge and attitudes regarding human papillomavirus disease and its prevention

Between 1 September and 8 October 2006, we used a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire in order to evaluate knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV disease and its prevention in a nationally representative sample of Italian pediatricians. Three hundred and eleven of the 400 enrolled physicians (175 primary care pediatricians, 160 hospital pediatricians and 65 residents in pediatrics) returned completed surveys (227 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 45.3 ± 11.61 years). The results showed a lack of knowledge concerning HPV disease and its prevention, with marginal differences between the subgroups, even though the majority would recommend HPV vaccination. These findings highlight an urgent need to improve pediatrician information in order to ensure the optimal implementation of HPV vaccination, and the adequate acceptability of HPV vaccines to adolescents and their parents.