<b>The Impact of HPV Vaccination on Cervical Cancer Incidence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Study in East India</b>

Abstract This study investigates the impact of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program on cervical cancer incidence among women in East India. A total of 1,750 women were followed over five years, with equal cohorts of vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. The analysis explored demographic profiles, vaccine uptake rates, cancer incidence, and statistical associations using chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results showed a lower cervical cancer incidence among vaccinated women (1.14%) compared to unvaccinated women (5.14%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Logistic regression revealed that vaccinated women had significantly reduced odds of developing cervical cancer. Socio-demographic variables such as education and income levels influenced vaccine uptake, with higher uptake observed among younger, more educated, and higher-income women. Cultural stigma and economic constraints were identified as key barriers to vaccination. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive education and policy strategies to improve vaccine access and uptake. Longer-term follow-up is recommended to fully assess the vaccine’s effectiveness in the Indian context. Keywords: HPV vaccination, cervical cancer, India, women's health, vaccine hesitancy, cancer prevention, public health policy