Date of this Version

8-4-2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is crucial in preventing cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Despite this, vaccination rates among women aged 27 to 45 remain low due to limited clinician-led counseling, knowledge gaps, and misconceptions. This quality improvement project assessed the effectiveness of targeted, clinician-led counseling in enhancing HPV-related knowledge, vaccine awareness, and behavioral intentions among this underserved demographic. A pre- and post-intervention design was implemented at a community-based women's health clinic in Miami, Florida. Twentyfive unvaccinated, English or Spanish-speaking women aged 27 to 45 were recruited during routine well-woman and gynecologic visits. Following informed consent, participants completed a pre-survey, received a brief, structured counseling session guided by an evidence-based script, and completed a post-survey during the same visit. Counseling content addressed HPV transmission, cancer risks, vaccine benefits, and common myths using a shared decision-making framework. Statistically significant improvements were observed across domains of HPV knowledge, vaccine awareness, and attitudes (p < .001). Although behavioral intentions to pursue vaccination increased, the change did not reach statistical significance (Z = –1.72, p = .086). These findings support the integration of brief, patient-centered counseling into routine preventive care as an effective strategy to enhance knowledge and support informed decision-making. The results underscore the critical role of advanced practice nurses in delivering culturally responsive, evidence-based education in addressing public health gaps through evidencebased education and personalized preventive care.

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