[Determinants of human papillomavirus vaccine amongst boys in Reunion Island: Survey of parents and general practitioners].

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the knowledge, barriers and acceptability factors of parents and general practitioners about HPV vaccination amongst boys in Reunion Island, in order to adapt primary prevention locally.

Methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study involving 88 parents of boys aged 11 to 19 and 81 general practitioners based in Reunion Island. Both populations volunteered to answer a questionnaire available online or on paper.

Results: Parents' knowledge about HPV was insufficient. In Reunion Island, social media and the precarious status of parents play a particularly negative role in the vaccine intention. The number of doctors who have started HPV vaccination on boys is low despite awareness of the recommendation, particularly older doctors who practice alone, in certain sectors of the island.

Conclusions: The young and precarious population of Reunion Island is particularly at risk of pathologies related to HPV and requires adapted prevention to the territory's specificities. It seems necessary to continue to inform general practitioners, in order to promote vaccination and to fight against the misinformation of media about the HPV vaccine.