Attitudes and practices regarding HPV vaccination among healthcare professionals and students in india: a scoping review

Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that in some cases leads to cervical cancer. Indian women face a considerably high risk of death from cervical cancer. Clinical studies have demonstrated that HPV vaccines are a safe and effective way of preventing cervical cancer. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in the uptake of HPV vaccination in India. In this scoping review, the available evidence related to the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of medical professionals and students, surrounding HPV vaccination in India was reviewed and summarized. Overall, the knowledge about HPV vaccination was low among medical professionals and students in India, but higher knowledge was observed with higher years of medical education and among specialists such as gynecologists. Low awareness was commonly reported in several studies, especially among pharmacy and paramedical students indicating a need for targeted educational interventions. Willingness to get vaccinated was moderate and was higher among women. HPV vaccine administration rates were quite low, mostly among pediatricians. Most physicians expressed positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, but pediatricians reported hesitancy to discuss with parents about their adolescent daughters’ reproductive lives, indicating the unmet needs regarding provider training and education. Findings from this scoping review highlight the necessity for more inclusive research encompassing a broader range of health professions and conducted across various regions of India to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the attitudes towards HPV vaccination and for programs and policy development in the future.