Cognitions and behaviours of general practitioners in France regarding HPV vaccination: a theory-based systematic review

A recent study conducted by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and collaborators provides new insights into the attitudes and behaviours of general practitioners (GPs) regarding recommending vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) to their patients.

The results, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, come from a theory-based systematic review of studies conducted in France on GPs’ attitudes regarding HPV vaccination. The study found that although 73% of GPs report recommending HPV vaccination, up to 50% would not recommend it because of concerns that it may change patients’ health behaviours or doubts about the vaccines’ safety and/or efficacy.

Factors such as trust in institutional information were shown to be positively associated with GPs’ willingness to recommend HPV vaccination. Parents’ fears, girls’ age, and potential connection with sexuality did not seem to affect GPs’ recommendations. These results will inform the development of a professional educational intervention targeting GPs in France.

Escriva-Boulley G, Mandrik O, Préau M, Herrero R, Villain P.
Cognitions and behaviours of general practitioners in France regarding HPV vaccination: a theory-based systematic review
Prev Med, Published online 7 November 2020;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106323

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