AN ASSESSMENT OF HPV VACCINATION BY GEORGIA PHYSICIANS: KNOWLEDGE, BARRIERS, SUPPORTS, PRACTICES, AND ADHERENCE TO ACIP GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The purpose of this study was to examine Georgia physicians ’ administration of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to 11-12 year old females according to the Advisory Council Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines, their intention to recommend HPV vaccine to 11-12 year old males, and their perceived knowledge and barriers associated with HPV vaccination. A distinction between urban and rural was examined to determine if there were differences in HPV vaccination recommendation. A stratified sample was created from the Georgia Vaccine For Children (VFC) provider list. The final sampling frame included 264 (n = 264) providers. Of these, 218 physicians were contacted yielding a response rate of 82.6%. Forty-two were located in rural counties and 176 were located in urban counties. Examination of perceived barriers, perceived knowledge and administration practices revealed no differences between urban and rural physicians. Approximately one in ten Georgia physicians (12%) who responded reported they always vaccinate 11-12 year old females. The number increased to one in five (22.9%) who always vaccinate females age 13-17 years, suggesting parent