Capella 4055 Assessment 1
Capella 4055 Assessment 1
Name
Capella university
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Health Promotion Research
The prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of public health, especially among adolescents and young adults—groups that are most responsive to HPV vaccination. However, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal due to widespread misinformation and a lack of education. As a result, many individuals within this demographic remain vulnerable to HPV-related diseases, including various forms of cancer. An integrated health promotion approach is essential to counter these issues, involving not only education of adolescents and young adults but also engaging their parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. This study investigates HPV’s impact on youth health in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, and proposes strategic, community-based interventions aimed at increasing vaccine coverage through accurate education, accessibility, and culturally relevant messaging (Schlecht et al., 2021).
Population Analysis
In Schwenksville, PA, individuals aged 11 to 26 form a high-priority group for HPV vaccination initiatives. Despite HPV being one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the U.S., full vaccination coverage remains inconsistent. Statewide data reveal that approximately 68.7% of adolescents aged 13 to 17 have completed the HPV vaccine series. However, Schwenksville trails behind, with only 48.7% vaccine coverage among adolescents (PA.gov, 2025). This disparity is exacerbated in minority populations and is compounded by limited healthcare access, insufficient provider engagement, and parental concerns about discussing sexually transmitted infections. Being a semi-rural area, Schwenksville faces challenges like infrequent healthcare visits and transportation issues, making targeted educational efforts and community engagement vital for improving vaccine uptake (Lipsky et al., 2025).
Points of Uncertainty and Underlying Assumptions
Due to the absence of HPV-specific immunization data for Schwenksville, the analysis assumes vaccination trends mirror those observed in other rural communities across Pennsylvania. It presumes that cultural and socioeconomic variables influencing vaccine hesitancy in these areas are also present locally. However, unknown elements—such as residents’ education levels, cultural beliefs, and previous experiences with healthcare—may significantly shape vaccination behaviors. Additionally, the extent to which HPV education is integrated into school curricula or community health programs remains unclear. Localized data, ideally gathered via community surveys or health department records, could help refine intervention strategies for this population.
Community Characteristics and Relevance to the Broader Target Population
The HPV health promotion plan targets individuals aged 11–26 in Schwenksville and their caregivers. Schwenksville, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is a semi-rural borough with roughly 1,500 residents, most of whom are White and belong to working or middle-class families (Datausa, 2023). While healthcare services exist, they are sparse compared to those in urban settings, requiring many residents to seek care in nearby towns. Local schools and community centers play a significant role in disseminating health information. However, many parents in this community hold conservative values, making open conversations about HPV vaccination more difficult (Kim et al., 2023). Therefore, health interventions must be tailored to respect cultural norms, emphasize family involvement, and promote community-based education. These local challenges are similar to those faced in other rural U.S. regions, making this model potentially applicable elsewhere. Community-driven strategies like school-based vaccination clinics and discussions during parent-teacher events can improve education and reduce stigma (Kim et al., 2023).
Importance of HPV Prevention in Schwenksville
HPV prevention in Schwenksville is essential due to the borough’s notably low vaccination rates. Although the state average for HPV vaccination among adolescents aged 13 to 17 is 68.7%, Schwenksville lags behind at only 48.7% (PA.gov, 2025). This shortfall increases vulnerability to various cancers such as cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal cancer. Enhancing vaccination rates through educational and community-based strategies will significantly reduce future disease burden and improve public health outcomes within this community.
Factors Contributing to Health and Health Disparities
Multiple factors contribute to health inequities in Schwenksville. Limited healthcare access, particularly specialized adolescent care, hinders routine vaccination. The few available clinics may not prioritize or stock HPV vaccines, resulting in missed opportunities. Furthermore, healthcare providers may lack consistent outreach efforts or training to advocate effectively for the vaccine (Magana et al., 2023). Cultural attitudes also play a role. In a conservative setting like Schwenksville, parents may view the vaccine as inappropriate due to its link to sexual activity. Misinformation or lack of understanding about the vaccine’s role in cancer prevention compounds hesitancy (Zhang et al., 2023). Culturally respectful education that emphasizes cancer prevention rather than sexual activity is essential to overcoming these barriers.
Need for Health Promotion
There is an urgent need to implement health promotion initiatives tailored to Schwenksville’s demographic and cultural context. Providing educational programs to both adolescents and caregivers about HPV’s link to cancer and the vaccine’s benefits is a top priority. Expanding access through school-based vaccination clinics and mobile health services will improve convenience and coverage. Outreach programs must also be designed to address cultural concerns, ensuring that health messages resonate with the community’s values (Zhang et al., 2023). These interventions will reduce HPV-related disease rates and improve overall community health.
SMART Health Goals for HPV Prevention
| SMART Goal | Specific | Measurable | Achievable | Relevant | Time-Bound | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal 1 | Educate about HPV and its cancer link | 90% of attendees identify 3 facts | Use of visuals, discussions | Increases awareness | Evaluated post-session | Improved understanding of HPV risks |
| Goal 2 | Encourage vaccine scheduling | 80% commit to vaccine appointment | On-site clinic lists and scheduling | Promotes vaccine uptake | Within 30 days | Higher vaccine initiation rate |
| Goal 3 | Boost confidence in communication | 85% report increased confidence | Through role-play and discussions | Encourages advocacy | Immediate post-session survey | Better conversations about HPV |
Conclusion
HPV prevention remains a pressing health issue in Schwenksville, PA, due to low vaccination rates among adolescents and young adults. Contributing factors include inadequate access to healthcare, sociocultural beliefs, and limited awareness. A multifaceted health promotion strategy focusing on education, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity can help close this gap. SMART goals ensure that interventions are targeted, practical, and measurable. By implementing community-specific strategies and fostering greater awareness, Schwenksville can improve HPV vaccination rates and move toward a future with lower incidence of HPV-related diseases.
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. Datausa.io. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/schwenksville-pa
Capella 4055 Assessment 1
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
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
Capella 4055 Assessment 1
Zhang, X., Trantham, L. C., Zhou, F., Cost, K. M., & Taylor, R. J. (2023). Barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents in the United States: A systematic review of the literature. Vaccine, 41(5), 1483–1490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.065