Building Physician Capacity for HPV Vaccine Uptake in India: Mixed-Methods Implementation Outcomes of a...

Background: India accounts for one-fifth of global cervical cancer deaths, yet Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage remains low despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to initiate vaccination at age 9. With the national HPV vaccination campaign in 2026 and its approval for integration into India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), strengthening physician knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in recommending the vaccine is critical. Methods: In 2023, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Foundation of India catalyzed two national medical societies, the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, to educate physicians on HPV vaccination using a train-the-trainer (ToT) model. A mixed-methods evaluation, using the RE-AIM Framework, included pre- and post-training surveys assessing changes in knowledge, beliefs, confidence, and intent, as well as monthly engagement surveys and project reports analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A fidelity assessment evaluated consistency of training delivery. Twenty in-depth interviews explored physician reactions and implementation of learnings, analyzed using a rapid approach. Results: A total of 18,206 physicians were trained. The post-training respondent group demonstrated higher HPV vaccination knowledge scores and more favorable responses in confidence, beliefs, and intent than the pre-training respondent group. The fidelity assessment demonstrated consistent delivery overall, with some variability in role play facilitation. Interviews highlighted increased physician confidence, peer knowledge sharing, and community engagement following the training. Medical societies reported strong program adoption and plans for continued efforts. Conclusions: A ToT physician training cascaded through medical societies is a feasible strategy to prepare physicians to recommend the HPV vaccine and address parental concerns at scale.