Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Knowledge, Perception and Attitude among Italian Pediatric Dentists

Tiziana Cantile, Stefania Leuci, Andrea Blasi, Noemi Coppola, Roberto Sorrentino, Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano and Michele Davide Mignogna
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Tiziana Cantile: Oral Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Stefania Leuci: Oral Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Andrea Blasi: Oral Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Noemi Coppola: Oral Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Roberto Sorrentino: Division of Prosthodontics and Digital Dentistry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Michele Davide Mignogna: Oral Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: Background: Pediatric dentists could play a key role in the prevention of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OP-cancer). The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, perception, and attitude on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccination among Italian pediatric dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Pediatric dentists received, by email, a link to participate in the questionnaire online. The questionnaire comprised four parts: (i) demographic information, (ii) knowledge on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine, (iii–iiii) perceptions and attitude on HPV-related OP-cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney test and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: A total of 271 pediatric dentists completed the questionnaire. Results showed a good overall knowledge; a positive perception of their role in HPV disease prevention; a good attitude in discussing sensitive topics; a need for acquiring more information about HPV’s connection to cancer, HPV infection, and HPV vaccine. Conclusions: Improving educational training programs, as well as informing about prevention of HPV-related OP-cancer, will place pediatric dentists in the front line of HPV diseases primary prevention.

Keywords: HPV vaccination; HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer; pediatric dentistry; knowledge; perception; attitude (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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