Dissertation
Increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates and uptake in women ages 30-45
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States annually, and it is estimated that 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer each year. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Ninety-three percent of cervical cancers are preventable with proper screening and vaccination against HPV. HPV vaccination is a safe preventative measure for individuals ages nine to 45 and is 99% effective at reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to increase HPV vaccination rates and uptake in women ages 30-45. Methods: The project implementation followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle framework for quality improvement. The population included women ages 30-45 presenting for an annual gynecologic exam at a Midwest private OB/GYN clinic. Project objectives included increasing HPV vaccination rates amongst the clinic population, increasing empowered feelings towards HPV vaccine decision-making, and social media education engagement amongst the clinic population. Findings: HPV vaccination rates increased by 4% amongst the clinic population. The number of women who felt empowered towards HPV vaccine decision-making was greater than 25% each month over a four-month period. The number of women that received positive social media influence reached 25% by the fourth month in a four-month period. The data collected supported the use of educational materials and social media influences to increase vaccine rates and uptake. Discussion: With proper screening and education, HPV vaccination rates and uptake in women can be increased. Topic focused education and shared decision making in the clinical setting are effective ways to inform and empower patients. Social media platforms can be used as an additional resource to reach patients and provide topic focused education.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates and uptake in women ages 30-45
- Creators
- Alex Whitham - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Amalia Gedney-Lose (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Alex Whitham
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841527702771
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