Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that infects humans. Around 30-40 types of HPV are transmitted via genital contact. HPV can not be treated at present, but the problems the virus causes are treated. These health problems are genital warts and cervical cancer. There is also HPV vaccine that prevents people from contracting the virus. 50% of female college students are at risk of contracting the virus due to knowledge deficit (Licht et al., 2010).
Currently, about 79 million persons are infected with the virus and 14 million new cases are reported annually. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer among women, although some other 19,000 types of cancers are also caused by HPV in women. Men are also infected with the virus, and it is estimated that it is responsible for 8,000 types of cancers in men (Markowitz et al., 2013). This report will analyze social ecological models and human papillomavirus. It will discuss the impacts of public health initiatives at various levels.
Intrapersonal level
Intrapersonal level involves an individual’s mind and perception of things. In this respect, what are the impacts of public health initiatives to an individual towards HPV infection and treatment? HPV screening is a public health initiative that has had an impact on individuals. Pap smear for screening cervical cancer is crucial in detecting early infections for early interventions. Individuals have been urged to go for screening services, and this has made them aware of their HPV status. HPV among individuals in the U.S is performed annually or on scheduled dates with the aim of detecting the virus.
Sensitization on HPV screening and vaccination is another public health initiative that has had impacts at intrapersonal level. Sensitization enables individuals to decide about their own health and make an attempt to avail themselves for screening and vaccination.
Interpersonal level
This level is characterized by communication and other forms of interaction among individuals. Individuals communicate and discuss matters relating to HPV, and they may make them seek services offered by healthcare facilities. Sensitization is a public health initiative that has impacted individuals on the way they adopt screening and treatment for HPV. Sensitization on HPV is done in print and electronic media. When individuals get sensitized on HPV they communicate with their friends and relatives and this helps them decide to go for screening and treatment services in healthcare facilities (Markowitz et al., 2013).
Institutional level
Institutions play a role in reducing HPV cases among their members. Institutions may be schools, colleges, universities, banks and non-governmental agencies among others. HPV screening is a public health initiative that has enabled institutions encourage their members know their HPV status. HPV sensitization initiative has also impacted institutions positively. Institutions sensitize their members to seek screening and treatment services for HPV.
Community level
Community involves individuals at different ages and socio-economic status. Community perception and uptake of healthcare services geared towards reducing HPV infections is essential to containing the virus. HPV screening and sensitization are public health initiatives that have positively impacted members of a community (Daley et al., 2011).
Public policy level
At public policy level, the concerned bodies attempt to address HPV matters. The matters are dealt with according to laid down stipulations. HPV sensitization is a public health initiative that has made the work of HPV public policy actors easy. When the public is sensitized, HPV screening and vaccination services are adopted by many members (Daley et al., 2011).
References
Daley, E., Alio, A., Anstey, E. H., Chandler, R., Dyer, K., & Helmy, H. (2011). Examining barriers to cervical cancer screening and treatment in Florida through a socio-ecological lens. Journal of community health, 36(1), 121-131.
Licht, A. S., Murphy, J. M., Hyland, A. J., Fix, B. V., Hawk, L. W., & Mahoney, M. C. (2010). Is use of the human papillomavirus vaccine among female college students related to human papillomavirus knowledge and risk perception?. Sexually transmitted infections, 86(1), 74-78.
Markowitz, L. E., Hariri, S., Lin, C., Dunne, E. F., Steinau, M., McQuillan, G., & Unger, E. R. (2013). Reduction in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Prevalence Among Young Women Following HPV Vaccine Introduction in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2003–2010. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 208(1), 385-393.