Search Results (1,254)

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) remains a significant cause of pediatric morbidity in populations in Lebanon, yet comprehensive data on population immunity and vaccination uptake are limited. This study aimed to estimate VZV seroprevalence and identify factors associated with immunity and vaccine uptake among children and adolescents in Northern Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 participants aged 1–18 years recruited from urban and rural settings in North Lebanon. After receiving informed parental consent, sociodemographic and clinical information were collected via structured questionnaires. Anti-VZV IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using validated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Associations with seropositivity and vaccination uptake were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: IgG seroprevalence was 79.4% (95% CI: 72.7–85.1), indicating prior exposure or immunization, while IgM antibodies, reflecting recent infection, were detected in 5.0% (95% CI: 2.3–9.4) of participants. Among vaccinated participants, IgG seropositivity was 63.6% (95% CI: 43.5–83.7) in the one-dose group and 89.5% (95% CI: 83.0–96.0) in the two-dose group. Completing the two-dose regimen was significantly associated with a higher IgG seropositivity (OR = 0.110, 95% CI: 3.2–52.4, p = 0.002). Parental reporting of history of varicella showed high sensitivity (99.0%) and overall accuracy (90.8%) in predicting seropositivity. Primary vaccination barriers included preference for natural infection (67%), perceived non-necessity (19%), and cost (10%). Regular pediatric follow-up strongly predicted vaccination (OR = 15.239, p < 0.001), whereas low parental awareness was associated with decreased vaccine uptake (OR = 0.027, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Suboptimal VZV vaccination coverage and persistent susceptibility underscore the need to integrate varicella vaccination into Lebanon’s national immunization schedule. Targeted educational efforts and enhanced pediatric healthcare engagement are critical to increasing vaccine uptake and reducing disease burden. Full article

Background: Seasonal influenza vaccines must be reformulated annually due to the high genetic variability and antigenic drift of circulating influenza viruses. The annual update, guided by World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, results in significant challenges, including compressed production time periods, elevated manufacturing costs, and global distribution pressures. Moreover, mismatches between vaccine strains and circulating viruses can severely reduce protective efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for broadly protective and long-lasting influenza vaccines. Methods: In this study, we developed an adjuvanted trivalent recombinant influenza virus-like particle vaccine (a-RIV) using the baculovirus–insect cell expression system and formulated it with an AS01-like adjuvant. The vaccine comprises full-length hemagglutinin (HA) proteins from WHO-recommended seasonal influenza strains: A/H1N1 (AH1), A/H3N2 (AH3), and B/Victoria (B/vic) lineages. The purified HA proteins were subsequently formulated with a liposomal adjuvant to enhance the immunogenicity. Results: In mouse immunization studies, the a-RIV vaccine elicited significantly stronger humoral and cellular immune responses than the licensed recombinant vaccine Flublok and the conventional inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). High levels of functional anti-HA antibodies and antigen-specific T cell responses persisted for at least six months post-vaccination. Moreover, a-RIV induced broadly reactive antibodies capable of cross-binding to heterologous AH1 and AH3 influenza strains. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the a-RIV elicits enhanced, durable, and broadly cross-reactive immune responses against multiple influenza subtypes. These findings support the potential of adjuvanted recombinant HA-based vaccine as a promising candidate for the development of next-generation influenza vaccine. Full article

Medicine and vaccine supply chains in Nigeria are socio-technical systems exposed to persistent uncertainty and disruption. Existing studies rarely integrate systems thinking with uncertainty-aware decision tools to jointly prioritize challenges and policy responses. This study asks which policy mix most effectively strengthens these supply chains while balancing multiple, conflicting criteria and stakeholder judgments. We develop a two-stage Fermatean fuzzy framework that first weights 35 challenges using Fermatean Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (FF-SWARA) and then ranks four policy alternatives via Fermatean Fuzzy VIšeKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FF-VIKOR), based on expert elicitation and linguistic assessments. Results identify interruption of drug supplies, limited vaccine funding, cold-chain potency loss, human resource shortages, and product damage as the most critical challenges. FF-VIKOR prioritizes Effective Implementation of Existing Policies as the best alternative, followed by Improving Access to Medicines and Vaccines, indicating that governance quality and access-enabling infrastructure are complementary levers for resilience. To further enhance robustness, we embed the VIKOR outcomes into a policy-oriented game-theoretic analysis, where strategic weighting scenarios (e.g., cost-focused, infrastructure-driven, human-capital focused) interact with policy choices. The equilibrium results reveal that a mixed strategy combining Effective Implementation of Existing Policies and Strengthening Distribution and Storage Systems guarantees the best compromise performance across adversarial scenarios. The proposed framework operationalizes systems thinking for uncertainty-aware and strategically robust policy design and can be extended with real-time data integration, scenario planning, and regional replication to guide adaptive supply chain governance. Full article

Background: Influenza is a major health threat to the elderly in China. Despite this, influenza vaccination rates still remain low and vary across regions that have different funding policies. In this study, we compare the vaccination status and influencing factors among older adults under the free, partial reimbursement, and self-paid vaccination strategies. Methods: Three cities with free, partial reimbursement, and self-paid influenza vaccination policies were selected. A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was then conducted. A total of 2265 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above were recruited using probability proportionate to size sampling. A standardized questionnaire was used during face-to-face interviews to collect data regarding the influenza vaccination status and influencing factors. The statistical analyses included chi-square tests, a multivariate logistic regression, and random forest models. Results: Among the 2265 participants (free policy region: n = 426; partial reimbursement region: n = 633; self-paid region: n = 1206), vaccination rates during the 2023–2024 season were significantly higher in the free policy region (53.29%) than in the partial reimbursement (20.85%) and self-paid (13.60%) regions (p < 0.001). The intention to vaccinate for the 2024–2025 season was also highest in the free policy region (68.78%), followed by partial reimbursement (47.71%) and self-paid (37.15%) regions (p < 0.001). This result demonstrated the same trend as the vaccination behavior. Cues to action (e.g., healthcare worker or family member recommendations) positively influenced vaccinations across all of the regions. In the self-paid region, perceived barriers, such as vaccine cost and side effect concerns, significantly reduced both behaviors and the next-season intention to vaccinate. Healthcare worker recommendations were key positive factors, while misconceptions and costs were major barriers to vaccination. Conclusions: Vaccination rates varied significantly across regions with different influenza vaccine subsidy policies. The free policy region demonstrated the highest coverage rate, while the self-paid region exhibited the lowest, suggesting that financial policies are a key determinant of vaccination uptake. Furthermore, free vaccination policies were associated with improved influenza vaccine knowledge among the elderly. Analysis of other influencing factors revealed that healthcare workers’ recommendations played a crucial role across all policy regions, though their impact on current-season vaccination behavior and next-season vaccination intention differed by subsidy context. Further studies are needed to explore the best approaches for optimizing region-specific subsidy strategies for promoting influenza vaccination among the elderly in China. Full article

Background: Rotavirus (RV) continues to be the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) globally among children under five. National RV vaccination efforts have lowered morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is a key public health tool to alleviate this substantial burden of RV in middle- and low-income countries. In Syria, RV morbidity accounts for 27% of severe GE. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing rotavirus vaccinations (RVV) into Syria’s National Immunization Program. Methods: A decision tree model was developed to assess the cost-saving of two-dose rotavirus vaccinations (Rotarix^®) compared to no vaccination. A birth cohort of 573,944 newborns was simulated throughout a 5-year time frame to capture the near-term health and economic effects. The analysis adopted an incremental cost-saving approach, evaluating a hypothetical 2023 birth cohort from the government’s perspective. Outcomes included the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) prevented and the cost per death averted. Model inputs were derived from local data, specifically including healthcare and vaccination costs and deaths attributable to RVGE, the scientific literature, and national/international databases. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) measures the cost of avoiding one disability-adjusted life year (DALY) adopted. Results: Over five years, the two-dose RV strategy would avert 77,500 RVGE cases, reduce outpatient visits by 59%, and reduce severe RV hospitalizations by 41%. The vaccination program would cost $21,817,918 USD and avert $3,239,907 USD in healthcare costs, resulting in a net cost of $18,578,011 USD. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $2098 USD per DALY averted, which is below three times Syria’s GDP per capita ($753.6 USD), indicating high cost-effectiveness according to WHO benchmarks. Conclusions: Introducing rotavirus vaccination is highly cost-saving and will result in a substantial reduction in healthcare burdens and lives lost. Policy planners must ensure its inclusion in the National Immunization Programs, ensuring sustainable financing and equitable access. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented global health and economic crisis, and vaccination emerged as a critical intervention to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on health systems and economies. Despite the rapid development and deployment of vaccines, the financial commitments required for these vaccination programs are substantial, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the associated costs to inform future public health strategies and resource allocation. Method: This analysis estimates the global, regional, and national economic costs of COVID-19 vaccination across 234 countries and regions in the period 2020–2023, consisting of vaccine procurement costs and administration costs. Result: As of 31 December 2023, the global costs of COVID-19 vaccination programs were estimated at USD 246.2 billion, with vaccine procurement accounting for approximately USD 140.2 billion and administration costs totaling USD 96.4 billion. Globally, a cumulative total of 136.9 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered. Factoring in an estimated wastage rate of 10%, it is projected that approximately 150.6 billion doses were used. On a global scale, the average number of vaccine doses administered per capita was estimated at 1.73. The mean cost per capita was USD 17.70 (95% CI: USD 15.84–19.56) for vaccine procurement and USD 12.16 (95% CI: USD 10.29–14.02) for administration, resulting in a total average cost of USD 29.85 (95% CI: USD 26.33–33.37) per capita. Significant disparities in costs were observed across income groups and regions. High-income countries incurred a notably higher average cost per capita of USD 76.90 (95% CI: USD 72.38–81.41) in contrast to low-income countries, where the per capita cost was USD 7.20 (95% CI: USD 5.38–9.02). For middle-income countries, the average per capita costs were USD 15.02 (95% CI: USD 10.64–19.40) in lower-middle-income countries and USD 28.21 (95% CI: USD 23.60–32.83) in upper-middle-income countries. Regionally, the Americas (AMR) reported the highest total cost at USD 70.8 billion, with an average per capita cost of USD 65.23 (95% CI: USD 56.18–74.28). The Western Pacific Region (WPR) followed with a total cost of USD 63.9 billion and an average per capita cost of USD 31.93 (95% CI: USD 20.35–43.51). Conversely, the African Region (AFR) had the lowest total spending at USD 10.8 billion and a per capita cost of USD 8.85 (95% CI: USD 5.34–12.37), reflecting both lower vaccine procurement and administration costs. The European Region (EUR) recorded a high average per capita cost of USD 53.36 (95% CI: USD 46.79–59.94), with procurement costs at USD 31.28 (95% CI: USD 27.41–35.14) and administration costs of USD 22.09 (95% CI: USD 19.31–24.87). Conclusions: The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccination revealed substantial variation in cost structures across income groups. Procurement costs imposed greater burdens on low- and lower-middle-income countries, whereas delivery and administration costs dominated in higher-income settings. These disparities highlight persistent fiscal inequities and emphasize the need for stronger international coordination and cost transparency to enhance equity, efficiency, and preparedness in future vaccination efforts. Full article

Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are key indicators of protection against SARS-CoV-2, and their measurement remains essential for monitoring vaccine responses and population immunity. While the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is the gold standard, it relies on replicative viruses and is not suited for high-throughput applications. Here, both an in-house and a commercial pseudovirus-based neutralization (PBN) assay were standardized and compared with PRNT to assess performance and concordance. The in-house PBN employed a VSV-ΔG pseudovirus encoding NanoLuc and displaying the SARS-CoV-2 Spike from the Wuhan or Omicron BA.1 variants in HEK293T-hACE2 cells, whereas the commercial assay (Integral Molecular, Philadelphia, PA, USA) used a lentiviral backbone with Renilla or GFP reporters and Wuhan or Omicron XBB.1.5/XBB.1.9 Spikes in Vero E6-ACE2-TMPRSS2 cells. Both assays showed strong correlations with PRNT, the commercial assay; moreover, they offered superior reproducibility and scalability, while the in-house version provided a cost-effective alternative suitable for BSL-2 settings. A total of 600 serum samples from vaccinated individuals were analyzed by commercial PBN at collection time points, from pre-vaccination to twelve months post–second dose, enabling large-scale screening, revealing marked differences in neutralization between Wuhan and Omicron XBB.1.5/1.9, and allowing unbiased classification of low, medium, and high responders using k-means clustering. The geometric mean titers (log₁₀ GMT) highlighted a ~1.5 log₁₀ (eightfold) reduction in neutralizing activity against Omicron, reflecting antibody waning and antigenic drift. Altogether, this study integrates assay standardization, PRNT comparison, and large-scale immune profiling, establishing a robust framework for harmonized pseudovirus-based neutralization testing. Full article

Throughout human history, contagious infectious diseases have significantly impacted societies, shaping the fate of great dynasties and challenging economic and political systems, social relations, and the overall well-being of the human species. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, emerging in the context of extreme globalization and rapid technological development. The speed of viral spread, the highest absolute mortality rate caused by a viral agent in the last 100 years, and the severe economic and social consequences imposed an urgent need for vaccine development on a previously unimaginable timescale. The proven safety and efficacy of inactivated vaccines enabled the development and large-scale application of the first immunizer against SARS-CoV-2 in less than a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic. In this review, we discuss the importance of inactivated antiviral vaccines and their historical impact in containing highly harmful diseases affecting humanity. We also explore the cellular mechanisms by which inactivated vaccines may induce immunogenic responses against viral pathogens. In addition, we bring to light a discussion about a fast, cost-effective, potentially efficient technology for large-scale immunizer production: High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), a method long supported by decades of preclinical studies and which is especially effective in the context of enveloped viruses. Finally, we discuss the role of inactivated antiviral vaccines in the face of advances in biotechnology and, therefore, the emergence of vaccines that use genetic engineering in their production, such as RNA, DNA and viral vaccines, which have gained special prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

Participation in cancer prevention programs is suboptimal. Socioeconomic backgrounds play a role in cancer awareness and prevention programs. We conducted a narrative review, summarizing the evidence on the integration of cancer prevention extended to non-occupational risk factors at the workplace. Cancer prevention programs include screenings (colonoscopy, mammography, Pap-test), vaccinations (anti-HPV, anti-HBV), and interventions focused on lifestyle changes. Such strategies may face several barriers related to individual or environmental factors. The workplace is potentially an ideal setting for implementing extended cancer prevention strategies because (i) occupational health surveillance (OHS) targets adults, including hard-to-reach subgroups; (ii) it is structured, with health records and exams for risk assessment; (iii) it offers a key chance to promote cancer awareness and prevention through direct worker–physician interaction. Such an innovative approach requires a coordinated effort to build professional networks and manage high-risk workers. Its successful implementation depends on financial support and the active involvement of physicians, employers, and workers. Occupational-based cancer prevention represents a novel and promising strategy, though its feasibility and cost-effectiveness need to be assessed through large-scale studies. Full article

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a globally circulating pathogen that usually infects children and establishes a latent state in host nerve cells. Recurrence of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) is often triggered by predisposing factors such as aging and immune dysfunction, which may lead to herpes zoster (HZ) and its related complications. At present, there is no specific treatment for herpes zoster or postherpetic neuralgia, so vaccination is an important preventive measure. Methods: In this study, a variety of vaccine formulations were developed by combining the gE protein with different adjuvants. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, and ELISpot were used to evaluate the immune response induced by each combination of vaccines in C57BL/6 mice, and the optimal combination of adjuvants. Then, its immunogenicity was verified in SD rats and rhesus monkeys. Results: All combinations of gE/squalene oil-in-water emulsion (SWE)/CpG1018 adjuvant induced a good humoral immune response 28 days after secondary immunization. GE/SWE/CPG1018, combined with adjuvant, induced a higher cellular immune response in mice. The selected gE/SWE/CpG1018 combined with the adjuvant vaccine combination could effectively stimulate the humoral and cellular immune responses in SD rats and rhesus monkeys. Conclusions: The gE/SWE/CpG1018 combined with adjuvant vaccine may be a low-cost and highly effective vaccine candidate for the prevention of varicella zoster. Full article

Serum-free suspension culture technology for animal cells involves the division and proliferation of cells in serum-free medium as single cells or cell clusters within shaking flasks or bioreactors. This approach enables large-scale cell culture, enhances the yield and quality of biopharmaceuticals, reduces costs, and broadens the applications of animal cells. Serum-free suspension culture of adherent cells (e.g., Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK), Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), Vero, baby hamster kidney (BHK-21), and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells) has been successfully achieved through direct or indirect adaptation, medium optimization, and genetic engineering. Additionally, novel suspension cell lines, such as duck embryonic stem (EB66) and human retinoblastoma (PER.C6) cells, have been developed as potential new substrates for biopharmaceutical production. This review examines animal cell suspension culture technology and its applications in viral vaccines, recombinant proteins, and monoclonal antibodies, providing insights into the development and utilization of this important technology. Full article

Background: The introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccination has transformed cervical cancer prevention worldwide, yet many low- and middle-income countries face persistent challenges in implementation, coverage gaps, and vaccine hesitancy. This article presents a narrative review of global and Brazilian HPV vaccination programs, highlighting achievements, pitfalls, and lessons for future strategies. Methods: We reviewed peer-reviewed literature and official reports from WHO, PAHO, CDC, Brazilian institutions, and others, focusing on programmatic performance, coverage trends, and vaccine acceptance. Results: In high-income settings such as Australia and the United Kingdom, school-based vaccination programs have driven sharp declines in HPV prevalence, genital warts, and precancerous lesions, in some cases approaching elimination thresholds. The United States has made progress but continues to struggle with disparities in uptake linked to socioeconomic and cultural factors. In India and several African nations, recent evidence supports single-dose regimens as a cost-effective and logistically feasible strategy. In Brazil, HPV vaccination was introduced in 2014 via the National Immunization Program (PNI), initially targeting girls aged 9–13 years through school campaigns. First-dose coverage exceeded 80% in the first year but subsequently declined, with full-schedule completion rates dropping below 60%. Contributing factors include misinformation, weakening of school-based delivery, and pandemic-related disruptions. Brazil later expanded eligibility to boys and immunocompromised populations and, more recently, extended catch-up vaccination to older adolescents. Conclusions: HPV vaccination has the potential to substantially reduce cervical cancer incidence globally. However, sustained impact depends not only on infrastructure and universal access but also on consistent school-based delivery, adaptive policies such as single-dose regimens, and robust communication strategies to counter misinformation. Brazil’s experience offers both inspiration and caution, providing lessons for countries striving to meet the WHO 90-70-90 targets. Full article

Background: Next-generation influenza vaccines have the potential to overcome the limitations of current seasonal influenza vaccines by providing more efficacious, broader, and longer-lasting protection and enhanced pandemic preparedness. However, their development is constrained by regulatory, financial, and scientific challenges. This study aimed to better understand these barriers and enablers from the perspective of vaccine developers. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through an online survey and follow-up interviews with 17 developers engaged in next-generation influenza vaccine R&D. Thematic analysis was used to identify key scientific, regulatory, and financial challenges, enablers and priorities for advancing development. Results: Developers reported a range of scientific and regulatory challenges, particularly the lack of established correlates of protection and uncertainty around evaluation criteria for novel platforms. High development costs and limited access to sustained funding were consistently cited as key barriers. Developers emphasized the need for clearer regulatory guidance, harmonized approval pathways, and validation of alternative immune markers. Collaborative approaches, including partnerships, consortia, and trial networks, emerged as critical enablers. Most respondents also reported leveraging their influenza vaccine R&D to support COVID-19 vaccine development, underscoring their relevance to broader pandemic preparedness. Conclusions: Next-generation influenza vaccines have the potential to significantly improve both seasonal influenza control and pandemic response. Realizing this potential requires coordinated action to address scientific, regulatory, and financial hurdles. Investment in regulatory innovation, sustainable financing, and collaborative R&D platforms will be essential to accelerate progress and ensure global access to improved influenza vaccines. Full article

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects more than 39 million people worldwide, with Uganda ranked 10th among countries with the highest number of cases. As new preventative HIV injectables emerge, it is vital to think about how best to tailor strategies to promote these injectable drugs, like PrEP and vaccines, when available, to the different populations most in need. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are economics-derived methods used to determine factors that influence engagement in a certain behavior. Objective: This study used a DCE to determine the preferences for a preventative HIV injectable drugs/vaccines among people at risk of HIV acquisition in urban and peri-urban areas of Uganda. Methods: In June 2024, we implemented a cross-sectional DCE survey in three urban sites in Uganda in English and Luganda. The survey collected information on demographics, HIV risk, vaccine confidence and responses to the 13 injection product choice tasks presented to determine preferences. We used community-based, respondent-driven sampling methods to recruit participants from three key populations: (1) female sex workers; (2) people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; and (3) young women (18–24 years). We collected the data on tablets using the Sawtooth Lighthouse Studio software (v. 19.15.6), taking into consideration privacy and confidentiality, given the sensitivity of the information and recent governmental policies in Uganda. Data were analyzed using a split-sample mixed logit regression analysis. The study was approved by local ethical regulatory bodies. Results: From the total of 406 participants screened for this study, 376 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis (85 young women, 159 female sex workers, and 132 who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender). The average age was 23.7 (SD: 5.7). The majority of participants had received some secondary school or vocational school (202, 53.7%) The attributes that explained the preferences were primarily severe compared to mild side effects (β: −0.69, 95% CI: −0.78, −0.60), a 30% increase in vaccine/drug effectiveness (β: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.44), and a 50,000 UGX (or USD ~13.64) increase in cost (β: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.27, −0.17). There were no significant differences between the preferences for different injectable types. The sensitivity analyses suggested potential differences in preferences by the amount of help participants received from research assistants when completing the survey, although not by income level. Conclusions: Side effects had the greatest impact on participants’ preferences for injectable HIV prevention methods, followed closely by effectiveness and cost. It is therefore essential to develop affordable or free prevention options with minimal side effects. Policymakers should focus on reducing the financial barriers to access and emphasize transparent communication about the effectiveness and safety of these injectables in health promotion campaigns to maximize adoption and improve public health outcomes. Full article

Background: Comprehensive data on the economic burden of cervical cancer treatment remain scarce in China’s less developed regions, necessitating this study on hospitalization costs and expenditure trends in these areas. Methods: Employing a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling approach, this study enrolled 10,070 cervical cancer inpatients from 72 healthcare facilities in Gansu Province. Clinical and expenditure data were extracted from hospital information systems. Rank sum tests and Spearman correlation analyses were performed for univariate assessment, while quantile regression and random forest models were applied to identify determinant factors. Results: From 2019 to 2023, the average hospitalization duration for cervical cancer patients in Gansu Province was 16.12 days, with an average hospitalization cost of USD 3862.08 (2023 constant prices, converted from CNY at 1:7.0467). During these five years, the average inpatient costs per hospitalization increased from USD 3473.45 to USD 4202.57, and the average daily hospitalization cost rose from USD 230.53 to USD 241.77. The average drug cost decreased from USD 769.06 to USD 640.16. The main factors influencing hospitalization costs included the length of hospital stay, whether cervical cancer surgery was performed, hospital type, hospital level, and the proportion of medications. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that cervical cancer is a considerable economic burden on both families and society. This highlights the need to control the length of hospital stay and optimize the allocation of medical resources, in addition to strengthening cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in underdeveloped areas, in order to enhance the efficiency of prevention and treatment and ensure medical equity. Full article