Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Amy Beck
Committee Member
Krysta Hood
Subject(s)
Papillomaviruses--Vaccination, Vaccine hesitancy, Patient education
Abstract
In the United States, human papillomavirus is the most persistently occurring sexually acquired infection. Nearly all human papillomavirus-associated cancers are the result of human papillomavirus infection. The human papillomavirus vaccine is a safe and effective public health intervention to prevent human papillomavirus-associated cancers and reduce morbidities and deaths. Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake falls below the benchmark, which is to attain 80% vaccination in adolescents. At an urban pediatrics clinic, where the project was implemented, only 25% of 11-12-year-olds were vaccinated between June 1, 2023, through August 24, 2023, lower than average. Alabama’s vaccination uptake incidence is 59.2%, compared to the nationwide standard of 62.6%. The deficiency of knowledge regarding human papillomavirus and the vaccine, and parent uncertainty are contributing factors to subpar uptake. The aim of this project was to implement a protocol that aligns with current research to increase immunization in 11 to 12-year-olds. The Parents Attitudes about Childhood Vaccination instrument was utilized to recognize vaccine-hesitant parents over a 12-week period. A comparison was made to the exact time frame from the preceding year to observe for increase in uptake after protocol implementation. Data was collected and evaluated for an increase in vaccination using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The implementation of research-based practices, specifically identifying parent vaccine hesitancy, focusing on a high-quality healthcare provider recommendation, and providing parents with an appointment reminder card resulted in an increased vaccination rate of 54.6%.
Recommended Citation
Bartee, Erica K., "Implementing a protocol to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 132.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-dnp/132