Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Health Promotion Plan Presentation
Good morning and welcome, everyone. Thank you for joining us today as we address the prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection among adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 26 in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. The focus of this presentation is to raise awareness about HPV’s association with cancer, highlight the advantages of timely immunization, and offer strategies for engaging in meaningful dialogue with healthcare professionals and family members about the vaccine. The presentation aligns with SMART goals developed collaboratively and supports the Healthy People 2030 objectives. We will now guide you through the session outline.
Presentation Roadmap
Throughout today’s session, we aim to:
- Share important facts about HPV transmission and its cancer-causing potential.
- Clarify how the HPV vaccine works, including its safety and effectiveness.
- Encourage each participant to schedule an HPV vaccine appointment within 30 days.
- Help build confidence in talking with family and health providers about the vaccine.
- Involve the audience in active learning and discussion.
- Conclude with a quiz and feedback survey to assess knowledge and confidence levels.
Key Information About HPV and Its Link to Cancer
HPV is one of the most prevalent viruses transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, particularly through sexual activity. In Pennsylvania, while 68.7% of adolescents are fully vaccinated, rates are significantly lower in rural areas such as Schwenksville, where only 48.7% are vaccinated (PA.gov, 2025). This gap highlights the need for stronger educational outreach.
The virus is linked to cervical, anal, genital, and oropharyngeal cancers, especially when persistent infections involve high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18 (Huber et al., 2021). These infections may exist asymptomatically for years, increasing the risk of cellular changes that lead to cancer. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, especially when combined with routine screenings.
Table 1: Key Points on HPV and Vaccination Benefits
| HPV Fact | Cancer Risk & Impact | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitted via skin or sexual contact | Causes cervical, anal, throat, and genital cancers | Timely vaccination (ages 11–12 ideal) |
| Persistent HPV leads to abnormal cell changes | HPV 16 & 18 are high-risk strains | Vaccine prevents high-risk strains |
| Often asymptomatic for years | Late detection increases cancer risk | Screening complements vaccination |
Benefits of Timely HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically at ages 11 or 12. Early immunization supports a stronger immune response and offers lifelong protection (Hoes et al., 2021). Immunizing youth reduces the burden of several cancers in both genders, such as anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers (Cheng et al., 2020).
Timely vaccination also prevents genital warts and reduces their emotional and physical effects. Genital warts can be stigmatizing, and early prevention supports emotional well-being. On a broader level, community-wide vaccination can lead to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated and decreasing HPV transmission overall (Xu et al., 2024).
Strategies for Discussing HPV Vaccination
To encourage discussions around HPV vaccination, the following techniques can be helpful:
- Using Evidence-Based Information: Trustworthy sources like the CDC and WHO can provide facts and debunk myths. Sharing accurate data on the vaccine’s safety and efficacy promotes informed dialogue.
- Asking Informed Questions: Engaging with healthcare providers through thoughtful questions fosters understanding. Questions about long-term health benefits help patients become active participants in their care (Kassymbekova et al., 2023).
- Addressing Common Misconceptions: Many individuals fear that the vaccine promotes early sexual activity. By clarifying that the purpose is cancer prevention, healthcare professionals can build trust and correct misinformation.
Table 2: Communication Strategies for HPV Vaccination
| Strategy | Purpose | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Use evidence-based facts | Build trust, ensure informed decisions | Share CDC/WHO data with families or providers |
| Ask informed questions | Encourage open dialogue | “What are the vaccine’s long-term benefits?” |
| Address common myths | Reduce stigma and misinformation | Clarify vaccine intent is disease prevention |
Developed SMART Goals with the Participants
To help participants better understand HPV and take action, the following SMART goals were established:
- By session’s end, at least 90% of attendees will identify three or more facts linking HPV and cancer. A quiz will assess this.
- At least 80% of attendees will commit to scheduling their first HPV vaccination dose within 30 days.
- At least 85% of participants will feel confident in communicating with healthcare providers and family about HPV vaccination.
These goals aim to educate, empower, and foster advocacy within the community for HPV prevention.
Session Evaluation on Developed SMART Goals
The session achieved notable success with 92.5% of attendees correctly identifying three or more key facts. This marks strong content engagement. Regarding commitment to vaccination, 75% pledged to act within 30 days, slightly below the 80% target. Meanwhile, 85% reported improved confidence in vaccine discussions.
However, some adolescents hesitated due to the need for further family discussions. Others noted difficulty in confronting myths independently. To improve future sessions, facilitators could provide more family-inclusive activities, expand role-playing exercises, and schedule follow-up meetings to support decision-making.
Session Evaluation on Healthy People 2030 Objectives
The session closely aligned with Healthy People 2030 goals to increase adolescent vaccination and reduce HPV infections (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Knowledge and confidence outcomes were met, indicating substantial progress in supporting preventive health behaviors.
Nonetheless, a gap remains: only 75% committed to initiating vaccination. This highlights a continued need to address vaccine hesitancy, especially regarding safety concerns. Future sessions should include stronger myth-debunking tools, current data presentations, and opportunities for ongoing family engagement (Xu et al., 2024).
Table 3: SMART Goals & Healthy People 2030 Outcomes
| SMART Goal | Achieved? | Improvement Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Identify 3+ key facts (90% goal) | ✅ 92.5% met | Continue current engagement strategies |
| Commit to vaccine within 30 days (80%) | ❌ 75% committed | Enhance family involvement, follow-up support |
| Boost discussion confidence (85% goal) | ✅ 85% met | Offer more practice handling misinformation |
Conclusion
This health promotion session emphasized that timely HPV vaccination is crucial in preventing various forms of cancer. Participants in Schwenksville, PA gained awareness and tools to take preventive actions. While most SMART goals were met, and knowledge was substantially improved, more targeted support is needed to raise vaccine initiation rates. By enhancing future sessions with family engagement, myth-busting practice, and extended outreach, we can better meet Healthy People 2030 objectives and contribute to healthier communities.
References
Cheng, L., Wang, Y., & Du, J. (2020). Human papillomavirus vaccines: An updated review. Vaccines, 8(3), 391. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030391
Hoes, J., Pasmans, H., Schurink-van ’t Klooster, T. M., van der Klis, F. R. M., Donken, R., Berkhof, J., & de Melker, H. E. (2021). Review of long-term immunogenicity following HPV vaccination: Gaps in current knowledge. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1908059
Huber, J., Mueller, A., Sailer, M., & Regidor, P.-A. (2021). Human papillomavirus persistence or clearance after infection in reproductive age. What is the status? Women’s Health, 17, 174550652110207. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455065211020702
Kassymbekova, F., Zhetpisbayeva, I., Tcoy, E., Dyussenov, R., Davletov, K., Rommel, A., & Glushkova, N. (2023). Exploring HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, barriers and information sources among parents, health professionals and teachers in Kazakhstan: A mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open, 13(9), e074097. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074097
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 4 Health Promotion Plan Presentation
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
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Vaccination – Healthy People 2030. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/vaccination
Xu, M., Choi, J., Capasso, A., & DiClemente, R. (2024). Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low-resource settings: Sociocultural and socioeconomic barriers and facilitators. Adolescent Health Medicine and Therapeutics, 15, 73–82. https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s394119