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) prevention remains a prominent public health issue, especially among adolescents and young adults. This population is at a key developmental stage where receiving the HPV vaccine can offer long-term protection against HPV-related cancers. Unfortunately, misinformation and insufficient awareness hinder vaccination efforts, leaving many young individuals vulnerable to these preventable conditions.

To address this concern, a robust and multi-faceted health promotion approach is necessary. The strategy should encompass educating adolescents, young adults, parents, and educators about the importance of HPV vaccination while also providing access to reliable information and preventive healthcare services (Schlecht et al., 2021). This research emphasizes the effects of HPV on youth health, identifies major barriers to vaccine uptake, and suggests practical interventions tailored to the needs of the Schwenksville, PA community.

In Schwenksville, a semi-rural area, the vaccination rate among adolescents is notably lower than the state average. The region faces challenges such as limited access to adolescent-focused healthcare, infrequent provider recommendations, and cultural or informational barriers from parents. These issues are compounded by transportation limitations and general health system inaccessibility in rural areas (Lipsky et al., 2025). Therefore, effective community education, culturally appropriate interventions, and school-based efforts are critical for improving HPV vaccination rates.

Population Analysis

The primary population of concern includes residents aged 11 to 26 in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania overall, 68.7% of adolescents aged 13–17 have completed the HPV vaccine series; however, in Schwenksville, the figure drops to just 48.7% (PA.gov, 2025). This discrepancy underscores the need for localized efforts that address unique rural barriers.

Schwenksville’s population—approximately 1,500 people—largely comprises White, working- or middle-class families (Datausa, 2023). The community relies on limited local clinics and often seeks healthcare information through schools and community centers. Parents in the area often hold conservative values, making discussions about sexual health and vaccination sensitive. Consequently, public health interventions must be family-friendly and culturally considerate to gain acceptance and drive behavioral change (Kim et al., 2023).

Additionally, assumptions about HPV vaccine acceptance in Schwenksville are based on broader rural Pennsylvania trends. The exact attitudes and healthcare behaviors of this specific community remain somewhat uncertain due to limited localized data. Further data collection through community surveys or collaboration with the health department would enhance the relevance and impact of interventions in Schwenksville.

SMART Goals for HPV Prevention

Effective promotion of HPV vaccination in Schwenksville requires strategic goals that address knowledge, behavior, and communication. The first SMART goal aims to improve awareness by ensuring 90% of participants can identify key facts about HPV after an educational session. This measurable outcome will be assessed via a post-session quiz and facilitated through engaging educational materials (Bowden et al., 2023).

The second goal targets vaccine initiation. It seeks verbal commitment from at least 80% of eligible individuals or guardians to schedule a vaccine appointment within 30 days. On-site tools like clinic directories and appointment scheduling assistance will support this goal, which is crucial for improving vaccine coverage (Zhang et al., 2023).

Lastly, the third SMART goal focuses on communication. It aims to increase participants’ confidence in discussing HPV vaccination with healthcare providers or family members. Using pre- and post-intervention confidence scales, role-play exercises, and communication guides, the initiative will empower individuals to advocate for their health (Bowden et al., 2023).

Table: Key Areas of Health Promotion Research on HPV

Conclusion

The need to improve HPV vaccination rates in Schwenksville, PA is evident, given its below-average coverage and unique community characteristics. By implementing culturally appropriate educational programs and addressing access issues, public health officials can reduce the incidence of HPV-related diseases. SMART goals ensure that these efforts are structured, measurable, and impactful. Long-term, community-driven strategies offer hope for improved health outcomes and vaccine acceptance across rural populations.

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

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, S., Warren, B., Johnson, C., & Doyle, M. (2025). Rural healthcare access and adolescent vaccination rates: A Pennsylvania case study. Journal of Adolescent Health Promotion, 16(2), 108–115.

NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research

PA.gov. (2025). HPV Vaccination Rates in Pennsylvania Adolescents. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/immunizations/pages/default.aspx

Schlecht, N. F., Diaz, A., Nucci-Sack, A., & Shankar, V. (2021). Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among adolescents: Factors influencing rates and how to improve them. American Journal of Public Health, 111(5), 893–900. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306212

Zhang, Y., Thompson, L., & Ramirez, M. (2023). HPV vaccine hesitancy in rural communities: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators. Preventive Medicine Reports, 32, 102056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102056