Women's Health Issues
HPV
Goals:
Research information about a specific topic
Prepare a written report including photos, figures, tables, etc.
Present a persuasive and informative article for a specific audience
Final version only. Must be edited. No ‘take two's'! This is IT! 100 points total.
Find basic information on HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) - use the CDC web site to search for HPV information. Also, use MMWR to find the most recent information on HPV vaccination - how many are getting it, etc
You will need to do additional research. Use reliable web sites, journals, etc.
It will help to have some basic information before you tackle the main writing project (following list below). Research the following:
• General biological features of human papilloma virus
• Concept of latency with respect to HPV
• Significance of different serotypes and role in cancers
• Prevalence and incidence
o Prevalence of HPV in women vs. men
o Age differences
o Racial/ethnic differences
o Effect of poverty
• Consequences of HPV infection in men and women
o Genital warts
o Types of cancer, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, oropharyngeal
• Vaccines
o What kind of vaccine is the HPV vaccine?
o Describe approved vaccines
- Names
- Serotypes included in vaccines - are all approved vaccines the same?
- The newest vaccine with even more coverage
o How good are the vaccines? How long does the protection last?
o What is recommended (by CDC) for girls/boys?
o Why vaccinate boys? What is the rationale?
o Describe any controversies about the vaccine; eg, religious/ethical/safety concerns
o Issues related to mandatory vaccination
o Other questions/issues you come up with
o Current news
o Do you still need a pap smear?
o Does the vaccine promote sexual activity?
o Is a girl has already been sexually active, should she forget about the vaccine? Or is it still useful to get vaccinated?
Once you feel comfortable with the material required for the project, continue on...
The Project:
Imagine that you are a public health official, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, policy maker, or physician. You are asked to prepare an article about the pros/cons of the HPV vaccine. You must have the most recent information on the subject.
Length not specified.
Assume that your audience consists of lay persons (including school counselors or principals; college/university counselors, physicians or presidents; parents, etc.). You will need to have an introduction that addresses basic information about the significance of HPV, including data/statistics. Organize your work into sections (you must include: a bullet listing of pros/cons as a table inserted/nested within your article). You may include photos, tables, figures, etc. within your text. You may include a brochure if you wish.