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
Mississippi provides numerous parks and recreational centers, particularly in urban areas like Jackson, which serve as essential social and wellness hubs for the LGBTQ community. These green spaces offer safe environments for physical activity, psychological relaxation, and social engagement. They also function as strategic venues for public health outreach, including initiatives focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) education. Mobile clinics and community health programs frequently utilize these recreational areas to provide non-stigmatizing education and preventive services, fostering an inclusive and accessible atmosphere for health promotion.
Population Analysis
What are the primary health concerns of the LGBTQ population in Mississippi related to HPV?
HPV is among the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States and presents considerable health risks for LGBTQ individuals. Transgender women and men who have sex with men face elevated risks of HPV-related cancers, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. While vaccines are available at local clinics and pharmacies, uptake among LGBTQ adults remains lower compared to the general population (Hao et al., 2021). Contributing factors include limited awareness about HPV, stigma, and barriers to accessing culturally competent healthcare.
The misconception that HPV primarily affects women reduces vaccination motivation among men and gender-diverse individuals. Expanding access to affirming and culturally sensitive healthcare providers can improve knowledge, dispel myths, and encourage preventive behaviors. Socioeconomic challenges—such as unstable housing, underemployment, and financial strain—further restrict consistent healthcare access. Mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, also negatively affect participation in preventive care programs.
How does discrimination in healthcare affect HPV prevention?
Discrimination, bias, or disrespect in healthcare settings can discourage LGBTQ individuals from seeking care, leading to reduced follow-through with vaccinations and follow-up appointments (Magana et al., 2023). Providing accurate, comprehensible information about HPV, related cancers, and vaccination benefits can support healthier decision-making. In Mississippi, community-based clinics are partnering with public health organizations to expand HPV prevention programs. Culturally responsive outreach and LGBTQ-affirming education are critical strategies to improve vaccine coverage and lower HPV-related disease rates
Underlying Assumptions
What assumptions underlie HPV health promotion strategies for LGBTQ populations in Mississippi?
Health promotion strategies often assume that LGBTQ individuals have consistent access to supportive healthcare services and community programs. They also presume that local health organizations provide culturally sensitive HPV education. However, gaps exist, particularly in vaccination completion among transgender women. Economic instability, such as job insecurity and housing challenges, can disrupt access to care and prevent full vaccine adherence. These assumptions, along with structural limitations, significantly influence the effectiveness and applicability of HPV health promotion interventions.
Characteristics of Chosen Community
Who comprises the LGBTQ population in Mississippi, and how do they engage with health promotion programs?
The LGBTQ population in Mississippi is highly diverse, including nonbinary individuals, women who have sex with women, and men who have sex with men, spanning multiple racial, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. While the state lacks designated LGBTQ districts, community members often rely on informal social networks, advocacy groups, and supportive organizations for safety, identity affirmation, and a sense of belonging.
These networks are instrumental for health promotion efforts, allowing programs to reach individuals in trusted environments. By leveraging these spaces, health initiatives can enhance participation, build rapport, and improve engagement in preventive education and services (Hao et al., 2021).
Table: Key Socioeconomic Challenges Impacting HPV Prevention
| Challenge | Impact on Health Promotion |
|---|---|
| Housing instability | Limits consistent access to healthcare appointments |
| Job insecurity | Reduces financial resources available for medical care |
| Mental health issues | Decreases engagement in preventive healthcare behaviors |
| Stigma and discrimination | Discourages clinic visits and reduces vaccine uptake |
Despite these challenges, local advocacy groups and community-based organizations provide critical education, outreach, and navigation support. These initiatives help promote HPV awareness and preventive practices among the LGBTQ population (Magana et al., 2023).
Importance of Health Concern
Why is HPV prevention critical for the LGBTQ population in Mississippi?
HPV significantly increases the risk of anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers among LGBTQ individuals. Nationally, roughly 42 million people are infected with HPV, and about 13 million new cases are diagnosed each year (Adekanmbi et al., 2024). Vaccination can prevent nearly 90% of HPV-related cancers.
Mississippi trails behind other states in HPV vaccination, with only 30.5% of children completing the series (Mississippi HPV Roundtable, 2025). For LGBTQ adults, low uptake is worsened by stigma, misinformation, and limited access to affirming healthcare. Socioeconomic disparities—including unstable housing, unemployment, and mental health challenges—further limit healthcare engagement (Junejo & Sheikh, 2021). Education, stigma reduction, and accessible preventive services are vital components of effective health promotion for this population.
SMART Goals
Who is the target individual, and what are the goals for HPV prevention?
John Davis, a 24-year-old Latino gay male living in Jackson, Mississippi, is sexually active with multiple partners and has not received the HPV vaccine. He perceives HPV as primarily a female disease and doubts his personal risk of HPV-related cancers. John regularly visits a local community clinic for HIV testing and is receptive to counseling and actionable, incremental health improvement strategies.
Goal 1
Question: What should John know about HPV and related cancers?
By the conclusion of the educational session, John will be able to describe HPV and identify at least two cancers associated with the infection. Filling knowledge gaps is essential for informed decision-making regarding vaccination (Kratzer et al., 2024). Evaluation occurs during the session to confirm comprehension.
Goal 2
Question: How can John take action toward vaccination?
Within one month, John will schedule his first HPV vaccination appointment. This behavioral goal is measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, given local vaccine availability and the protective benefits against HPV-related cancers (Ajibola et al., 2024).
Goal 3
Question: Where can John access LGBTQ-affirming healthcare resources?
Within one week, John will identify at least one LGBTQ-friendly healthcare provider for preventive services, including HPV education and vaccination. Access to affirming providers helps reduce stigma and encourages regular engagement with healthcare (Hao et al., 2021). Success is measured by John naming the resource during a follow-up session.
Conclusion
HPV prevention among LGBTQ populations in Mississippi is a pressing public health priority. Social, economic, and healthcare disparities contribute to low vaccination rates and heightened risks of HPV-related cancers. Implementing culturally competent strategies—including inclusive education, accessible preventive services, and LGBTQ-affirming healthcare providers—can improve knowledge, reduce stigma, and encourage preventive behaviors. These efforts are essential to improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in the community.
References
Adekanmbi, V., Sokale, I., Guo, F., Ngo, J., Hoang, T. N., Hsu, C. D., Oluyomi, A., & Berenson, A. B. (2024). Human papillomavirus vaccination and human papillomavirus–related cancer rates. JAMA Network Open, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.31807
Ajibola, O., Davis, R. J., Lin, M. E., West, J. D., Kokot, N. C., & Chambers, T. (2024). Associations between risk perception, HPV knowledge, and vaccine uptake: Highlighting the LGBTQ+ population. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 170(6), 1684–1695. https://doi.org/10.1002/ohn.664
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
Hao, Z., Guo, Y., Bowling, J., & Ledenyi, M. (2021). Facilitators and barriers of HPV vaccine acceptance, initiation, and completion among the LGBTQ community in the U.S.: A systematic review. International Journal of Sexual Health, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2021.1989535
Junejo, M. H., & Sheikh, U. A. (2021). Human papillomavirus—Inequalities in disease prevention and the impact on racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities. Pediatric Dermatology, 38(S2), 170–173. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.14740
Kratzer, T. B., Star, J., Islami, F., Jemal, A., & Siegel, R. L. (2024). Cancer in people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or gender‐nonconforming. Cancer, 130(17). https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35355
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
Mississippi HPV Roundtable. (2025). Mississippi HPV roundtable. https://www.mshpvroundtable.org