A study to assess the knowledge, perceived roles and training needs of school teachers regarding human papillomavirus vaccination programs in selected schools of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a critical global health challenge, with India bearing over 22% of worldwide mortality. School teachers are vital, trusted stakeholders who can mitigate vaccine hesitancy and champion adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization. However, institutional frameworks rarely address teachers' internal educational deficits. This study evaluated the baseline health literacy, perceived roles, and training needs of school teachers in Dehradun, India.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 school teachers across selected government and private schools named shri guru ram rai (SGRR) public school, Government Primary School, Charan Haly Child School, Floridale School, Government Girls Inter College (GGIC), Prabhanand Children Academy, Government Inter College, and Shivalik Hills Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India from Jan to June 2026 using convenience sampling. Data were gathered via self-structured, validated instruments capturing socio-demographics, knowledge, perceived roles, and training needs. An evidence-based HPV awareness pamphlet was distributed immediately following baseline assessments.

Results: The cohort was predominantly female (90.9%) and lacked prior exposure to school health programs (96.4%) or HPV training (100.0%). Severe health literacy deficits were observed, with 77.3% of teachers demonstrating poor baseline knowledge. Institutional disconnect was high; 63.6% exhibited poor commitment regarding active responsibilities in vaccine promotion. Conversely, 81.8% indicated high training demands, with an exceptional overall scale mean of 4.68 out of 5.0. Notably, the highest demand (µ=4.80) was for structured educational materials (like pamphlets) to distribute during parent-teacher meetings.

Conclusions: While educators possess critically low baseline clinical awareness and professional involvement regarding HPV, they demonstrate immense, proactive motivation for capacity building. Distributing targeted, evidence-based awareness pamphlets represents an affordable, highly scalable intervention to bridge institutional gaps, empower educators, and foster supportive school environments for adolescent immunization.