NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
Name
Capella university
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Health Promotion Research
Human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a growing public health issue, particularly for adolescents and young adults, who are the prime candidates for HPV vaccination. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, a substantial portion of this age group remains unvaccinated due to widespread misinformation, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. These gaps have led to increased vulnerability to HPV-related conditions, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
To combat these challenges, a robust health promotion strategy is necessary—one that informs not only adolescents and young adults but also parents, educators, and healthcare providers about the significance of HPV prevention. A comprehensive strategy should include accessible educational resources, culturally appropriate messaging, and increased access to preventive services (Schlecht et al., 2021). In this study, attention is directed toward the Schwenksville, Pennsylvania community to explore local barriers and propose interventions that encourage informed decision-making and improved vaccination coverage.
Within Schwenksville, which reflects characteristics of many rural communities across Pennsylvania, barriers such as conservative cultural beliefs, limited provider endorsement, and inadequate transportation options restrict access to timely HPV vaccinations. Without reliable immunization data specifically for Schwenksville, assumptions are made based on similar rural populations in the state. A greater understanding of local values and family dynamics would enable the development of more tailored interventions, potentially including school-based outreach and parent-focused education.
Population Analysis
The population most in need of HPV prevention in Schwenksville includes adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 26. Although Pennsylvania has achieved an approximate HPV vaccination completion rate of 68.7% for adolescents aged 13–17, the rate in Schwenksville lags at just 48.7% (PA.gov, 2025). These figures illustrate the urgent need for more targeted efforts to improve awareness and access within rural settings. The focus should especially be on underserved and minority populations who face compounded barriers to care.
Multiple challenges hinder vaccination uptake in this semi-rural borough. These include a lack of adolescent-specific providers, minimal provider encouragement to vaccinate, and parental reluctance due to insufficient or unclear information. Cultural discomfort and conservative values further discourage open discussions about sexual health, which is often linked with HPV vaccination (Lipsky et al., 2025). Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to limited knowledge and heavy reliance on parental influence for healthcare decisions.
Schwenksville’s small size—about 1,500 residents—further complicates healthcare access. While basic services are available, specialized care often requires travel to nearby towns. The community primarily comprises White, middle-income families, and local institutions like schools and community centers play a pivotal role in disseminating health information. Parents in the area may lack the tools or confidence to discuss HPV openly, making it vital for any health promotion strategy to be culturally competent and family-centered (Kim et al., 2023).
SMART Health Goals for HPV Prevention
To effectively address HPV prevention in Schwenksville, three SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals have been developed. These goals aim to improve awareness, increase vaccine initiation, and empower individuals to advocate for HPV vaccination.
Goal 1: By the end of an educational session, 90% of participants (adolescents and parents) will correctly identify at least three key facts about HPV and its link to cancer. This goal is measurable via a short quiz and achievable through the use of engaging educational tools. It is time-bound and designed to combat misinformation with accurate, evidence-based knowledge (Bowden et al., 2023).
Goal 2: At least 80% of eligible participants aged 11–26—or their guardians—will verbally commit to scheduling the first HPV vaccine dose within 30 days. This commitment will be tracked via pledges and sign-up sheets, with access to a directory of nearby vaccination centers provided to all attendees (Zhang et al., 2023).
Goal 3: By the end of the session, 85% of participants will report improved confidence in discussing HPV with family members or healthcare providers. This will be assessed using a pre- and post-session confidence scale. Participants will also learn three communication strategies for discussing HPV vaccination effectively, including using factual data, debunking myths, and asking relevant questions (Bowden et al., 2023).
Table Summary: Key Aspects of the Health Promotion Plan
| Health Promotion Research | Population Analysis | SMART Health Goals |
|---|---|---|
| HPV remains a top public health issue for adolescents due to low vaccine uptake. | Target population: Youth aged 11–26 in Schwenksville, PA. | Goal 1: 90% identify 3 facts about HPV and cancer after a session. |
| Community education is key in combating misinformation and enhancing vaccine awareness. | Schwenksville’s rural nature contributes to low access and poor coverage. | Goal 2: 80% of eligible participants commit to vaccination within 30 days. |
| Multi-level interventions involving schools, families, and clinics are recommended. | Cultural values, parental influence, and limited provider access act as barriers to HPV vaccination. | Goal 3: 85% report increased confidence in discussing HPV with family/providers and identify 3 conversation strategies to use. |
Conclusion
HPV vaccination is crucial in improving adolescent health outcomes in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. With a vaccination rate significantly below the state average, there is an urgent need for health promotion strategies tailored to rural community needs. These strategies should focus on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and improving vaccine access. By implementing SMART goals that emphasize education, access, and communication, public health officials can foster a more informed community capable of taking proactive steps toward HPV prevention. Tailored interventions, particularly in school and community settings, will be instrumental in reversing vaccination disparities and enhancing overall health equity in rural regions.
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
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
Lipsky, M. A., Keller, M., Tsai, K., & Gonzalez, M. (2025). Access barriers to adolescent vaccinations in rural settings: A community-based analysis. Journal of Rural Health Promotion, 38(2), 114–121.
Magana, D., Rhodes, S. D., Ramirez, J. A., & Martinez, O. (2023). Rural healthcare access and public health messaging in the HPV era. American Journal of Health Promotion, 37(3), 325–334.
PA.gov. (2025). HPV Vaccination Coverage Rates by County. https://www.pa.gov/health-data/hpv
Schlecht, N. F., Murphy, R. K., Andriamasy, E. L., & Massad, L. S. (2021). Human papillomavirus knowledge and vaccine attitudes among adolescents: Implications for health promotion. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(4), 630–638.
Zhang, Y., Thomas, K., Jackson, L., & Williams, T. (2023). The role of education in reducing HPV vaccine hesitancy in rural communities. Public Health Reports, 138(1), 89–98.