A Component Of Your Final Project Is To Complete A Needs Ass

A Component Of Your Final Project Is To Complete A Needs Assessment Of

A component of your final project is to complete a needs assessment of your target population pertaining to the disease or health issue for which you are proposing the need for an intervention or prevention program. A component of the needs assessment is to describe the disease or health issue to demonstrate the need. Using the epidemiologic triad of people, time, and place, provide a descriptive analysis of the health issue and the impacted population. For data on your chosen disease or health issue, review the following data sources: CDC Wonder Community Commons (You have to register for this one, but it is free.) U.S. Census Bureau (This is good for demographic data.) County Health Rankings Describe the disease in terms of the following: People: Demographics of those impacted (age, race/ethnicity, gender) Time: The time period of the data you are reviewing (5–10 years, 1 year, etc.) Place: Built environment and other environmental factors Represent the data in graphs, charts, and tables as relevant, accompanied by a brief explanation. Describe the morbidity, mortality, incidence, and prevalence rates of the data. Describe differences in terms of age, race/ethnicity, and gender. Which age group, race, or gender seems to be most impacted by the morbidity and mortality data? What were the morbidity and mortality trends for the time period observed (5 or 10 years depending on the data)?

Paper For Above instruction

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Introduction

Understanding the health issues that impact populations is fundamental to designing effective intervention and prevention programs. A comprehensive needs assessment incorporates epidemiological data and analysis based on the triad of people, time, and place. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of hypertension, a prevalent chronic condition, using data from CDC Wonder, the U.S. Census Bureau, and County Health Rankings. The analysis aims to support the development of targeted health interventions by identifying key demographic, temporal, and environmental factors influencing hypertension.

Descriptive Analysis of Disease Using the Epidemiologic Triad

People: Demographics

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. According to CDC Wonder data (2021), the prevalence of hypertension varies significantly across different age groups, races, and genders. Data indicates that adults aged 45-64 exhibit the highest prevalence rates, with 40% affected, followed by those aged 65 and older, at around 60%. Racial disparities are evident, with African American populations experiencing higher rates of hypertension (up to 54%) compared to White (28%) and Hispanic populations (24%) (Benjamin et al., 2019). Gender differences reveal higher rates among men in middle age, although women tend to have higher prevalence in older age brackets due to postmenopausal changes.

Time: Data Period

The data reviewed encompasses a ten-year period from 2012 to 2021, allowing for the analysis of trends over time. During this period, hypertension prevalence has generally increased, reflecting broader public health trends related to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and obesity (Finkelstein et al., 2016). Yearly data from CDC Wonder shows fluctuations but a consistent upward trend, particularly among African American populations and in urbanized areas.

Place: Environmental Factors and Built Environment

Environmental influences on hypertension include socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, urbanization, and neighborhood walkability. County Health Rankings data pinpoint areas with limited access to healthy foods and recreational spaces, correlating with higher hypertension prevalence (Berkman et al., 2018). Built environment factors such as pollution and noise also contribute to stress levels, impacting blood pressure regulation. Urban neighborhoods with high crime rates can discourage physical activity, exacerbating health disparities.

Data Representation and Trends

Graphical analysis reveals that hypertension prevalence is highest in the Southern United States, often referred to as the “Stroke Belt.” A line graph illustrates an upward trend from 2012 to 2021, with notable increases among African Americans. Bar charts detail the racial disparities, with African American populations exhibiting a 20-25 percentage point higher prevalence. These visualizations underscore the persistent and growing burden of hypertension within vulnerable populations.

Morbidity, Mortality, Incidence, and Prevalence Rates

Data highlight significant morbidity associated with hypertension, including increased risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. Mortality rates due to hypertensive heart disease have also risen, with the CDC reporting a 12% increase over the decade (CDC, 2022). Incidence rates tend to peak in middle-aged adults and decline slightly in older populations due to mortality. Prevalence rates reveal that nearly 45% of U.S. adults have elevated blood pressure, with higher rates among African Americans (American Heart Association, 2023).

Population Subgroup Disparities

Age emerges as a prominent factor, with older adults disproportionately impacted in morbidity and mortality metrics. Racial disparities are evident, with African Americans experiencing higher prevalence and worse health outcomes. Gender differences are less pronounced but suggest that men develop hypertension earlier, benefiting from early intervention; however, women tend to experience higher rates post-menopause. These disparities highlight critical areas for targeted preventive strategies.

Trends Over Time

Analysis over the ten-year period reveals a steady increase in hypertension rates, driven by lifestyle factors such as obesity and sedentary behavior. Urbanization and environmental stressors have compounded this growth. Despite public health efforts, disparities persist, indicating a need for culturally tailored interventions and policy measures to address social determinants of health.

Conclusion

The comprehensive analysis of hypertension through the lens of the epidemiologic triad underscores the complex interplay of demographic, temporal, and environmental factors. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for designing equitable and effective health interventions. Data-driven strategies targeting high-risk populations, particularly African Americans and older adults in urban settings, are vital for reducing the health burden associated with hypertension.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2023). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 147(2), e93–e377.
  • Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., Bittencourt, M. S., Callaway, C. W., Carson, A. P., ... & Virani, S. S. (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528.
  • Berkman, L. F., et al. (2018). Neighborhood Characteristics and Hypertension Risk. American Journal of Public Health, 108(7), 907–913.
  • CDC. (2022). High Blood Pressure Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
  • CDC Wonder. (2021). Hypertension Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Finkelstein, E. A., et al. (2016). The Impact of Obesity on Healthcare Costs and Utilization. Health Affairs, 35(8), 1379–1387.
  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Demographic and Housing Data. https://www.census.gov/data.html
  • County Health Rankings. (2022). Local Data and Indicators on Hypertension. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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