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Video

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

(A127) HPV Vaccination and Risk Perception Among Otolaryngology and OB/GYN Residents

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Cristina E. Benites, MBS

    MS4
    NSUMD
    Miami, FL, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • NC

    Neil N. Chheda, MD

    Vice Chair, Chief, Division Of Laryngology And Residency Program Director
    University of Florida
    Gainesville, Florida, United States

Disclosure(s):
Cristina E. Benites, MBS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Neil N. Chheda, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Residents in surgical fields may carry an elevated risk for occupational exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) and could benefit from additional education regarding preventative measures such as HPV vaccination. Some studies have shown that surgical smoke from the treatment of HPV-related lesions can contain HPV DNA, raising concerns about infection potential for high exposure workers. While definitive evidence of HPV transmission through surgical smoke or contact is limited in the literature, vaccination could serve as a proactive measure to reduce potential occupational risks.

This study aimed to assess HPV vaccination status, perceptions of occupational exposure, and barriers to vaccination among Otolaryngology (ENT) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residents.

Methods: A survey was distributed electronically to ENT and OBGYN residents at a tertiary care center. The survey collected demographic data, vaccination status, perceptions of occupational risk, confidence in vaccine efficacy, and barriers to vaccination. Responses were recorded anonymously and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results: The survey had a 44% (15) response rate, made up of 53.3% OBGYN and 46.7% ENT residents queried. 80% of residents were between the ages of 25–30 and 66.7% identified as male. HPV vaccination was reported by 80%, with 75% vaccinated during childhood and 16.7% during adulthood. 67% of participants reported frequent occupational exposure to HPV. Barriers to vaccination were minimal in this cohort. 93.3% of residents supported additional education on HPV occupational exposure and vaccination among all healthcare workers.

Conclusions: A high vaccination rate and confidence in vaccine efficacy among residents in this age group is present but gaps in vaccine series completion and perceived occupational risk remain. Further inquiries into older physicians who would not have received the vaccine as part of normal childhood vaccines may be conducted.