(CR5-Research) Knowledge and Acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Self -Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Primary Healthcare Providers in Lembah Pantai Health District, Kuala Lumpur.

Introduction:

The introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-testing as an alternative for cervical cancer screening will require healthcare providers to be well-informed about the test to enhance health promotion and encourage screening uptake. This study aims to determine the levels of knowledge and acceptability of healthcare providers and factors affecting knowledge in HPV self-testing.

Results:

Among 216 participants, 55.1% had good knowledge and 64.4% were acceptable towards HPV self-testing. Knowledge gaps were identified in 3 areas whereby 70.4% participants believed that HPV requires treatment, 64.8% thought that HPV infection is persistent and 25.9%-39.4% were unsure of management of certain HPV results. Multivariate analysis revealed that different workplace (clinics under Petaling Bahagia) (aOR 3.3, CI 1.49-7.36)  , doctors (aOR 21, CI 1.29-348.28), and increased  acceptability towards HPV self-testing (aOR 3.3, CI 1.46-7.39)  were predictors of good knowledge.

Conclusion :

Healthcare providers from clinics under Petaling Bahagia, doctors and those more acceptable towards HPV self-testing had better knowledge. Despite that, continuous education and training will be needed to address knowledge deficits.