Shweta Lakhera and S.N. Ghosh Rosy Chhabra
H.P. University, Summer Hill, Shimla Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP)
India has one of the highest burdens of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women in India. Although HPV vaccine has been determined to be effective in preventing cervical cancer, speculations around its effectiveness have prevented its integration into India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP). Furthermore, due to lack of awareness, people’s attitude, behavior, skepticism and societal issues associated with HPV, no successful immunization program could gain any momentum in India. Since HPV vaccine is administered to adolescents before initiation of sexual activity, teachers can play an important role in spreading awareness. A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the level of awareness, knowledge and concerns among school teachers of Government and Private schools in Shimla. Additionally, focus groups were carried out to identify factors that facilitate or act as barriers to raise awareness and knowledge in this regard. Private school teachers reported significantly higher level of awareness about HPV (df=118, CR=2.39, p<. 05), knowledge about HPV (df=118, t=3.47, P<.01), HPV testing df=118, t=2.57,) and HPV vaccination (df=118, t=2.11, p<.05) than their Government school counterparts.However, the level of knowledge on these issues is extremely low irrespective of institution to augment a successful prevention programme. Focus groups further ascertained factors that facilitate awareness and knowledge about HPV and promote vaccine uptake and also identified issues that act as barriers in successful campaigns. The findings indicate there is ample opportunity to increase HPV awareness among teachers, who can play an effective role in augmenting a successful prevention program and contribute to uptake of HPV vaccine in India’s UIP