Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Mississippi hosts numerous parks and recreational facilities, particularly in urban areas like Jackson, which serve as important spaces for the LGBTQ community to socialize and engage in wellness-oriented activities. These green spaces not only provide opportunities for physical exercise but also foster psychological and social well-being. They are increasingly leveraged for public health outreach, such as HPV awareness campaigns. Mobile clinics often operate in these settings, offering non-stigmatizing education and preventative services, making them strategic venues for community health interventions. Utilizing these spaces helps build trust and facilitates access to culturally competent care.
The LGBTQ population in Mississippi faces distinct health challenges related to HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection with potential to cause anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Transgender individuals and men who have sex with men are at particularly elevated risk. While effective HPV vaccines are accessible at clinics and pharmacies across the state, vaccination rates remain lower among LGBTQ adults compared to the general population (Hao et al., 2021). Contributing factors include limited awareness, stigma, and barriers to accessing supportive healthcare services.
Perceptions that HPV primarily affects women contribute to vaccine hesitancy among men. Expanding the availability of culturally competent and LGBTQ-inclusive healthcare providers can improve education, clarify misconceptions, and promote preventive measures. Socioeconomic factors such as housing instability, underemployment, and financial hardship further limit consistent healthcare access. Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression also reduce engagement in preventive care.
Discrimination or bias encountered in healthcare settings often discourages individuals from seeking follow-up care or vaccination (Magana et al., 2023). Providing clear, accurate information on cancer risks and vaccine benefits can promote healthier behaviors. In Mississippi, collaborations between community-based clinics and public health organizations aim to expand HPV prevention programs. Tailored outreach and LGBTQ-affirming educational initiatives are essential to increasing vaccination rates and reducing HPV-related disease burden.
This analysis assumes that LGBTQ individuals in Mississippi have some access to affirming healthcare services and community programs that deliver culturally sensitive HPV education. However, there are gaps in available data, particularly regarding vaccination uptake among transgender women. Economic instability is another variable that may limit access to care and completion of vaccination schedules. These assumptions and limitations directly influence the effectiveness of health promotion strategies in real-world settings.
The LGBTQ population in Mississippi is diverse, encompassing nonbinary individuals, women who have sex with women, and men who have sex with men across multiple racial, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. While there are no designated LGBTQ districts in most areas, community members frequently rely on informal social networks, advocacy groups, and community centers for safety, identity, and belonging. These networks are essential for health promotion, allowing interventions to occur in spaces where individuals feel respected and supported (Hao et al., 2021).
Socioeconomic disparities such as housing insecurity, unemployment, and limited healthcare access continue to negatively affect preventive behaviors, including HPV vaccination. Nevertheless, advocacy groups and community-based organizations play a critical role in providing education, outreach, and navigation of health resources. Partnering with these organizations enhances the reach and effectiveness of HPV prevention programs (Magana et al., 2023).
HPV significantly increases cancer risk among LGBTQ individuals in Mississippi, including anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. In the United States, an estimated 42 million individuals are infected with HPV, with approximately 13 million new cases annually (Adekanmbi et al., 2024). The HPV vaccine prevents nearly 90% of cancers caused by the virus.
Mississippi has one of the lowest HPV vaccination rates nationwide, with only 30.5% of children completing the vaccine series (Mississippi HPV Roundtable, 2025). Within the LGBTQ community, vaccine uptake is further hindered by stigma, misinformation, and limited access to inclusive healthcare services. Effective health promotion programs are essential to address these barriers, improve awareness, and encourage preventive actions.
Socioeconomic and demographic disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions. Many LGBTQ individuals experience unstable housing, employment challenges, and mental health issues, which impede regular healthcare utilization (Junejo & Sheikh, 2021). Tailored education, accessible vaccination services, and culturally competent programs can bridge these gaps, fostering equitable health outcomes.
Profile: John Davis, a 24-year-old Latino gay male from Jackson, Mississippi, is sexually active with multiple partners and has not received the HPV vaccine. He is aware that vaccines are often promoted for women but doubts their relevance for men and is uncertain about cancer risks associated with HPV. John regularly visits a local community health clinic for HIV testing and is open to learning about other preventive measures.
Goal Table
| Goal | Specific Objective | Measurable Outcome | Achievability | Relevance | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal 1 | Explain HPV and identify two associated cancers | John articulates understanding of HPV and related cancers | High; education provided during session | Directly relates to John’s sexual health | By end of session |
| Goal 2 | Schedule first HPV vaccination | John selects a date and site for vaccination | Achievable; vaccines are available locally | Critical for cancer prevention | Within 1 month |
| Goal 3 | Identify LGBTQ-affirming healthcare resource | John names a resource offering preventive services | High; inclusive clinics exist in Mississippi | Reduces stigma, promotes consistent care | Within 1 week |
These goals address knowledge gaps, promote preventive behaviors, and connect John with affirming healthcare providers. They are structured to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, reflecting best practices in individualized health promotion.
HPV prevention among the LGBTQ community in Mississippi represents a critical public health priority. Socioeconomic challenges and healthcare disparities reduce vaccination rates and increase cancer risk. Culturally competent education, access to LGBTQ-affirming healthcare providers, and community-based outreach are effective strategies to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and promote preventive health behaviors. Tailored interventions that meet the unique needs of this population are essential for achieving equitable health outcomes.
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
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
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
