Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer. It has a substantial impact on global public health, with low- and middle-income countries, including India, facing the highest burden. In 2022, India reported 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths due to cervical cancer, projected to increase by 61% by 2040. Although the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization recommended the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, it is yet to be a part of India's universal immunization program. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine online interest in the HPV vaccine in India from January 2010 to April 2024 using Google Trends. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of Google Trends data was performed, using the relative search volume to track interest on a scale of 0-100. Trends were analyzed annually using 1-way ANOVA and joinpoint regression to identify significant changes in search behavior related to public health events. Statistical significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: The average annual growth in HPV vaccine-related searches was 13.7% (95% CI 7.9%-19.1%), with the highest relative search volume in 2024 (49.5) and the lowest in 2017 (3.38). Spikes in search interest aligned with key events like the 2018 National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization recommendation and the 2022 launch of the indigenous HPV vaccine. The results highlight online search data's value in tracking public interest, which fluctuates in response to health policy changes or developments on social media. In India, targeted digital strategies will be vital for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing HPV vaccine uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Google Trends data can inform public health strategies by identifying periods of high interest, aiding in the promotion of HPV vaccination in India.