Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Health Promotion Research
Mississippi offers several parks and recreational centers, particularly in urban areas like Jackson, which serve as important social and wellness spaces for the LGBTQ community. These green spaces provide opportunities for safe physical activity, psychological relaxation, and social interaction. They are also strategically useful for public health initiatives, such as conducting outreach and awareness campaigns about human papillomavirus (HPV). Mobile clinics and community health programs often utilize these recreational areas to deliver non-stigmatizing education and preventive services, creating an accessible and inclusive environment for health promotion.
Population Analysis
What are the primary health concerns of the LGBTQ population in Mississippi related to HPV?
HPV is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, and it poses significant health risks for LGBTQ individuals. Transgender women and men who have sex with men are particularly vulnerable to HPV-related cancers, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although vaccines are readily available at local clinics and pharmacies, uptake among LGBTQ adults remains lower than in the general population (Hao et al., 2021). Factors contributing to this include limited knowledge about HPV, stigma, and barriers to accessing culturally competent healthcare.
Many people still perceive HPV as primarily affecting women, which reduces motivation to get vaccinated among men and other gender-diverse individuals. Expanding access to inclusive and culturally competent healthcare providers can enhance education, dispel myths, and reinforce preventive behaviors. Socioeconomic challenges, such as housing instability, underemployment, and financial strain, further restrict regular access to healthcare. Mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, also negatively impact engagement in preventive care.
How does discrimination in healthcare affect HPV prevention?
Experiences of discrimination, disrespect, or bias in healthcare settings discourage LGBTQ individuals from seeking care and reduce follow-through with vaccination or follow-up appointments (Magana et al., 2023). Providing clear, understandable information about HPV, associated cancers, and the protective benefits of vaccination can support healthier behaviors. Community-based clinics in Mississippi are partnering with public health organizations to expand HPV prevention programs. Culturally responsive outreach and LGBTQ-affirming education are essential strategies to increase vaccine coverage and reduce HPV-related illnesses.
Underlying Assumptions
What assumptions underlie HPV health promotion strategies for LGBTQ populations in Mississippi?
This analysis assumes that LGBTQ individuals have consistent access to affirming healthcare services and supportive community programs. It presumes local health organizations deliver culturally sensitive HPV education. However, gaps exist, particularly regarding vaccination rates among transgender women. Economic instability can disrupt access to care, complicating vaccination completion. These assumptions and limitations influence the effectiveness of health promotion strategies and the real-world applicability of proposed 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 diverse, including nonbinary individuals, women who have sex with women, and men who have sex with men, spanning various racial, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. While there are no designated LGBTQ districts in the state, community members often use informal spaces, advocacy groups, and supportive organizations to find safety, identity, and belonging.
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
These networks are critical for health promotion efforts, as they allow programs to reach individuals in trusted environments. Health initiatives can improve participation, build rapport, and increase engagement by leveraging these spaces to provide education and services (Hao et al., 2021).
Table: Key Socioeconomic Challenges Impacting HPV Prevention
| Challenge | Impact on Health Promotion |
|---|---|
| Housing instability | Limits access to regular healthcare appointments |
| Job insecurity | Reduces financial resources for healthcare |
| Mental health issues | Decreases preventive care engagement |
| Stigma and discrimination | Discourages clinic visits and vaccine uptake |
Despite these challenges, local advocacy groups and community-based organizations play a vital role in providing education, outreach, and navigation support, creating opportunities to promote HPV awareness and prevention (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. In the United States, approximately 42 million people are infected, with 13 million new cases annually (Adekanmbi et al., 2024). Vaccination can prevent nearly 90% of HPV-related cancers.
Mississippi lags behind other states in HPV vaccination coverage, with only 30.5% of children completing the vaccination series (Mississippi HPV Roundtable, 2025). For LGBTQ adults, low uptake is compounded by stigma, misinformation, and limited access to affirming healthcare. Addressing these barriers is crucial to reducing infection rates and preventing cancer-related complications.
Socioeconomic disparities underscore the need for targeted health promotion. Unstable housing, unemployment, and mental health challenges hinder regular healthcare access and adherence to vaccination schedules (Junejo & Sheikh, 2021). Many LGBTQ individuals are unaware of the risks of HPV beyond cervical cancer, reducing motivation for preventive action. Health promotion programs should focus on education, stigma reduction, and accessible preventive services.
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 a disease mainly affecting women and doubts his personal risk for HPV-related cancers. John regularly visits a local community clinic for HIV testing and is receptive to counseling and practical, incremental health improvement strategies.
Goal 1
Question: What should John know about HPV and related cancers?
By the end of the educational session, John will be able to describe HPV and identify at least two cancers associated with the infection. Addressing knowledge gaps is critical for informed decision-making regarding vaccination (Kratzer et al., 2024). Evaluation occurs during the session to ensure understanding.
Goal 2
Question: How can John take action toward vaccination?
By the end of the session, John will schedule his first HPV vaccination appointment within one month. This behavioral goal is measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, given local vaccine availability and the protective benefit 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. Connecting with affirming providers reduces stigma and promotes consistent healthcare utilization (Hao et al., 2021). Success is measured by John naming the resource during follow-up.
Conclusion
HPV prevention for LGBTQ populations in Mississippi is a critical public health concern. Social, economic, and healthcare disparities contribute to reduced vaccination rates and increased risk of HPV-related cancers. Addressing knowledge gaps, stigma, and promoting preventive behaviors through culturally competent approaches—such as inclusive education, accessible services, and LGBTQ-affirming providers—can improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of HPV-related disease.
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: Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 170(6), 1684–1695. https://doi.org/10.1002/ohn.664
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
NURS FPX 4055 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Research
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
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. Www.mshpvroundtable.org. https://www.mshpvroundtable.org/