frequently than other providers including pediatricians.2 However, our results suggest that dermatologists identifying in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community are significantly more likely to administer the vaccine and to include special patient populations than straight providers. LGBT dermatologists may have greater awareness of HPV-related LGBT health disparities3 given their personal connection to the community. Interestingly, the most common cited reason against HPV vaccination was “not in the scope of my practice,” though it is unclear whether a large percentage of subspecialists such as Mohs surgeons or dermatopathologists were sampled. The association between provider demographic variables and likelihood of vaccination warrants further study given the importance of HPV vaccination for prevention of genital warts and cervical, anal, penile, and vaginal cancers.4
Limitations of our study include the small sample size and risk of response bias. Private practice dermatologists were also overrepresented in our sample. Nonetheless, we believe our data suggest the need for greater investigation of this issue and validation of our results with larger, more highly controlled studies.
DISCLOSURES
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare
REFERENCES
1.Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, Unger ER, Romero JR, Markowitz LE.Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: updated recommendations ofthe advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb MortalWkly Rep. 2019;68(32):698-702.
2.Rohrbach MR, Wieland AM. A survey of wisconsin pediatricians’ knowledgeand practices regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(4):636-641.
3.Yeung H, Luk KM, Chen SC, Ginsberg BA, Katz KA. Dermatologic care forlesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons: Epidemiology, screening,and disease prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(3):591-602.
4.Brianti P, De Flammineis E, Mercuri SR. Review of HPV-related diseases and cancers. New Microbiol. 2017;40(2):80-85.
2.Rohrbach MR, Wieland AM. A survey of wisconsin pediatricians’ knowledgeand practices regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(4):636-641.
3.Yeung H, Luk KM, Chen SC, Ginsberg BA, Katz KA. Dermatologic care forlesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons: Epidemiology, screening,and disease prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(3):591-602.
4.Brianti P, De Flammineis E, Mercuri SR. Review of HPV-related diseases and cancers. New Microbiol. 2017;40(2):80-85.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Alexander M. Cartron BS alexander.cartron@som.umaryland.edu
