Family-Mediated HPV Vaccine Decisions in Rural India: A Multi-Stakeholder Qualitative Study from Rajasthan
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Following the 2026 introduction of India’s National HPV Vaccination Programme, understanding early implementation experiences is critical to achieving high coverage. This study explored the knowledge, perceptions, barriers, facilitators, and implementation experiences related to HPV vaccination in rural Rajasthan. Methods We conducted 30 semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews with adolescent girls, ANMs, ASHAs, and school teachers in rural Sikar district, Rajasthan, and analysed data using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results We identified eight cross-cutting themes, including widespread but shallow vaccine awareness, family-mediated decision-making with limited adolescent autonomy, fertility-related rumours amplified by post-COVID mistrust, and frontline workers and teachers as trusted yet under-equipped communicators. School-based vaccination was widely accepted; however, implementation was constrained by workforce burden, logistical challenges, and difficulties reaching out-of-school girls. Conclusion Addressing knowledge gaps, misinformation, and implementation challenges while strengthening frontline capacity and school–health system coordination may improve HPV vaccine uptake for successful programme implementation in India. Interventions that pair school-based delivery with parent-focused communication, myth-busting on fertility, and targeted training and support for frontline workers may be critical to successful HPV vaccine scale-up in similar LMIC settings.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204458545