Research Project Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of several preventable cancers, yet vaccination and screening rates remain uneven across New Jersey, with underserved communities in South Jersey experiencing a disproportionate burden of HPV-related disease. This project aims to address these disparities by linking data-driven analysis with community-based education and engagement. Using county and state-level public health, demographic, and cancer registry data, the research team will develop a mathematical epidemiological model to examine patterns of HPV transmission, vaccination uptake, and disease progression, with a focus on high-need populations in Camden County. Early modeling results will identify gaps in prevention and help guide outreach priorities.
In partnership with I Dare to Care (ID2C), a trusted community-based organization serving South Jersey, the project will design and implement culturally responsive HPV education workshops for parents, adolescents, and caregivers. ID2C will lead community engagement and collect baseline and follow-up assessment data on HPV knowledge, vaccine confidence, and intent to vaccinate. These data will be shared with the academic team and incorporated into the model to refine assumptions and projections. Updated modeling insights will then be used to adapt and strengthen ongoing community education efforts. By linking data-driven analysis with real-time community feedback, this project establishes a feedback-driven framework that supports equitable HPV prevention and builds sustainable capacity to address HPV-related cancer disparities in South Jersey.
Research Project Goals
The goal of this project is to combine data-driven HPV modeling with community-based education to support equitable HPV prevention and reduce long-term cancer disparities in high-risk South Jersey populations.
Research Project Objectives
This project seeks to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases across underserved communities in South Jersey by addressing disparities in vaccination access, awareness, and outcomes. The central objectives are to:
a) Identify key sociodemographic and geographic disparities in HPV vaccine uptake and HPV-related disease burden in South Jersey;
b) Build a mathematical modeling tool to simulate and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted HPV intervention strategies, including education and vaccination campaigns;
c) Identify and deploy community-driven, evidence-based strategies to increase HPV awareness, vaccination uptake, and early screening in high-need communities in Camden County.