NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1

NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

Health Promotion Research

Preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) continues to be a pressing issue in public health, particularly for adolescents and young adults within the recommended age for vaccination. Unfortunately, vaccination rates remain suboptimal due to persistent misinformation and low awareness. These issues leave many youth vulnerable to HPV-related diseases, including several types of cancer. This concern is especially evident in semi-rural communities like Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, where HPV vaccination coverage falls below the state average.

To address this disparity, a comprehensive health promotion strategy must be implemented. This should involve education for adolescents, their caregivers, and educators, coupled with accurate information, accessible resources, and user-friendly vaccination services (Schlecht et al., 2021). This research focuses on HPV’s health implications among youth, barriers to vaccine uptake, and evidence-based strategies tailored to improve immunization rates in Schwenksville. A targeted intervention in this community has the potential to enhance public health outcomes and serve as a model for similar regions.

Population Analysis

This research centers on individuals aged 11 to 26 residing in Schwenksville, PA. Although Pennsylvania’s average for full HPV vaccination among adolescents aged 13 to 17 is approximately 68.7%, Schwenksville’s rate is notably lower at 48.7% (PA.gov, 2025). Several barriers contribute to this gap, including restricted healthcare access, a lack of robust provider recommendations, and hesitancy from parents due to cultural discomfort or limited knowledge (Lipsky et al., 2025).

Given Schwenksville’s semi-rural status, logistical barriers such as inadequate transportation and fewer healthcare facilities further inhibit access to regular pediatric care. Moreover, adolescents may not be fully informed about HPV’s risks, which increases reliance on parental decision-making. Therefore, a dual approach targeting both youth and guardians is essential. Culturally appropriate messaging and family-centered education initiatives could significantly enhance vaccine uptake in this population.

Points of Uncertainty and Community Context

Due to the scarcity of hyper-localized data specific to Schwenksville, general assumptions are drawn from similar rural communities in Pennsylvania. These assumptions consider shared characteristics such as cultural norms, healthcare access challenges, and vaccine skepticism. Nevertheless, variability likely exists in education levels, religious values, and previous exposure to public health campaigns. Obtaining localized data will refine intervention planning and increase the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Schwenksville, a borough in Montgomery County with a population of around 1,500 residents, is predominantly white and middle-income (Datausa, 2023). Community health education primarily occurs through schools and local organizations. Parental conservatism in the area may hinder open discourse around sexually transmitted infections like HPV. Consequently, any health promotion strategies must emphasize respect, cultural relevance, and family involvement. Leveraging trusted institutions like schools and community centers will be crucial in engaging stakeholders and driving vaccination initiatives.

Relevance of HPV Prevention

HPV is a leading cause of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, making vaccination a vital preventative measure. With Schwenksville reporting lower vaccination rates than the statewide average, a focused public health response is critical. Community-based interventions that combine education, improved access, and sensitivity to cultural norms will not only protect individual health but also address broader healthcare disparities.

Contributing Factors and Health Disparities

Schwenksville faces multiple health inequities that hinder HPV vaccination efforts. These include geographic limitations, under-resourced public health systems, and a scarcity of adolescent-specific healthcare services. Cultural conservatism may further discourage open dialogue regarding HPV, especially since it is associated with sexual health (Magana et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2023). This situation is compounded by a general lack of health literacy among both adolescents and their caregivers.

To bridge these gaps, it is essential to deploy targeted community strategies that are inclusive, educational, and accessible. These strategies should aim to foster understanding, dispel myths, and make vaccination services easier to obtain. Local schools, faith-based institutions, and health centers can collaborate to deliver these initiatives effectively.

SMART Health Goals

To improve vaccination rates in Schwenksville, three SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals are proposed. First, 90% of participants should be able to identify at least three facts about HPV after attending an educational session, thereby addressing misinformation and improving awareness (Bowden et al., 2023). Second, 80% of eligible individuals or their guardians should pledge to schedule the first HPV vaccine dose within 30 days of the intervention, which provides a concrete, measurable outcome (Zhang et al., 2023). Third, 85% of participants should report increased confidence in discussing HPV vaccination with peers or providers, as measured through pre- and post-session self-assessments. These goals are designed to enhance community knowledge, encourage vaccination uptake, and empower advocacy.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination is vital in protecting adolescents and young adults from preventable cancers. In Schwenksville, unique rural challenges such as limited infrastructure, conservative cultural norms, and gaps in health education contribute to under-vaccination. However, through well-designed, culturally competent interventions aligned with SMART goals, it is possible to boost awareness, reduce hesitancy, and increase HPV immunization rates. Implementing such initiatives in Schwenksville can offer a scalable model for improving vaccine coverage in similar semi-rural communities.

Summary Table

References

Bowden, S., Doulgeraki, T., Bouras, E., Markozannes, G., Athanasiou, A., Grout-Smith, H., Kechagias, K. S., Zuber, V., Chadeau-Hyam, M., Flanagan, J. M., Tsilidis, K. K., & Kyrgiou, M. (2023). Risk factors for human papillomavirus infection, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer: An umbrella review and follow-up Mendelian randomisation studies. BMC Medicine, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-02965-w

Datausa. (2023). Schwenksville, PA | Data USA. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/schwenksville-pa

Kim, S., Ou, L., Larkey, L., Todd, M., & Han, Y. (2023). Developing a culturally and linguistically congruent digital storytelling intervention in Vietnamese and Korean American mothers of human papillomavirus–vaccinated children: Feasibility and acceptability study. JMIR Formative Research, 7, e45696. https://doi.org/10.2196/45696

Lipsky, M. S., Wolfe, G., Radilla, B. A., & Hung, M. (2025). Human papillomavirus: A narrative review for dental providers in prevention and care. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(3), e439. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030439

NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research

Magana, K., Strand, L., Love, M., Moore, T., Peña, A., Ito Ford, A., & Vassar, M. (2023). Health inequities in human papillomavirus prevention, diagnostics and clinical care in the USA: A scoping review. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 99(2), 128–136. https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2022-055587

PA.gov. (2025). Dear VFC provider. https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/programs/immunizations/3.3.25%20-%202025%20HPV%20Call-to-Action%20Letter%20and%20Resources.pdf

Schlecht, N. F., Diaz, A., Nucci-Sack, A., Shyhalla, K., Shankar, V., Guillot, M., Hollman, D., Strickler, H. D., & Burk, R. D. (2021). Incidence and types of human papillomavirus infections in adolescent girls and young women immunized with the human papillomavirus vaccine. JAMA Network Open, 4(8), e2121893. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.21893

Zhang, L., Yang, J., Cao, Y., & Kang, W. (2023). Sociocultural–psychological predictors influencing parents’ decision-making regarding HPV vaccination for their adolescent daughters in mainland China: An extended TPB model. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1035658

NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research