Barriers to the Adoption of Human Papillomavirus Vaccines to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential barriers to the adoption of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in physicians. Methods: A survey was distributed to a sample of family physicians and pediatricians. Results: Lack of patient knowledge about HPV and lack of early bothersome symptoms of cervical disease were considered by respondents to be signifi cant barriers to optimal vaccination, as was parental reluctance to acknowledge that their child/adolescent is likely to become sexually active in her teens. The unwillingness of parents to vaccinate their child was the most commonly selected barrier to vaccine adoption. Responses did not signifi cantly vary by specialty. Discussion and Conclusions: Patient/parental attitudes may be the most signifi cant barriers to the effective adoption of HPV vaccines. These results suggest that additional education focused on strategies to facilitate reductions in patient and parent barriers to adoption of the HPV vaccines is needed.