Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, complex health condition that continues to be a growing problem in the general population, and this increase is paralleled in pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when women with OUD may be ready to begin a journey of recovery. OUD has both maternal and fetal implications. The safest way to begin recovery during pregnancy is with the initiation of either buprenorphine or methadone to prevent symptoms of withdrawal which can increase risk of fetal harm.

Both medications have the added benefit of being safe to use during lactation. There is a minimal amount of either medication that is found in breastmilk. Breastfeeding during medication assisted recovery (MAR) is linked both to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, and improved bonding. Often women who are engaged in MAR are unaware of the benefits of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity. Mothers may perceive breastfeeding as a danger to their baby based on misinformation and bias. Initiation of individualized and nonjudgmental breastfeeding education to women beginning an inpatient MAR program can improve maternal understanding of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and increase intention to exclusively breastfeed.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is associated with several types of cancer and genital warts. No cure exists for those currently infected with HPV, but a vaccine is available that can prevent the virus and development of cancers associated with HPV. Military servicemembers are at a high risk for contracting HPV; it is one of the most common STIs among active duty service members. The health consequences of HPV can impact a servicemember’s military readiness. The HPV vaccine is not required for military servicemembers, but it is offered free of charge. HPV vaccination rates among military service members remain relatively low.

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to increase the level of knowledge about HPV, improve health beliefs regarding HPV, increase HPV vaccine intention, recommendation, and uptake. Using the Health Belief Model as an organizing framework, a population targeted eight-minute education video on HPV and HPV vaccination was developed. It was implemented at an outpatient military treatment facility located in the southwest United States over a 6-week period, to newly reported service members. Participants included 116 military service members aged 18 to 45. A pretest and posttest questionnaire were used to assess the impact of the intervention. HPV level of knowledge increased significantly from pretest to posttest mean scores were 3.00 to 4.39 respectively (p < .001). HPV vaccine intention increased from 62% to 66% (p = .739). HPV vaccine recommendation increased from 62% to 85% (p < .001).