After Reviewing The Resources In The Course Materials, Write ✓ Solved

After reviewing the resources in the course materials, write a

After reviewing the resources in the course materials, write a 1,000-1,500-word paper proposing a plan to prevent or reduce the incidence of cancer, chronic illness, and/or disease. The plan will focus on lifestyle changes and risk factors, in addition to elements that promote wellness, while decreasing illness and current high rates (prevalence) of cancers, chronic illnesses, and disease. It is important to use current scholarly research when formulating a plan. The elements selected should be supported by this research. Include the following in the plan: Choose a cancer, chronic illness, or disease. Check instructor announcements to see if topic approval is required. Choose a community/culture/subculture. A subculture is a smaller group within a larger culture who share common beliefs, norms, and traditions. Describe the background of the community/culture/subculture as it relates to history or other defining characteristics. Including but not limited to: (a) What is the background of the chosen community/culture/subculture? (i.e., demographics, such as age, education, race, sex); (b) Explain the historical factors that are important to the plan and the perceived positive and/or negative effects on health care (i.e., norms, traditions); (c) Why is this an important community/culture/subculture to apply a prevention or reduction program? (risk factors/current rates of cancer/illness or disease); (d) Why is it important to implement a plan in this community/culture/subculture? How is this critical to the prevention or reduction of incidence? Describe several components of the plan. What factors are considered that have a correlation with the community/culture/subculture described? (i.e., education, socioeconomic status (SES), existing lifestyle behaviors, health behaviors, self-care, exercise & nutrition, conflicts with mainstream medicine, religious/spiritual factors). Using research and psychological principles/theories to support your plan, explain how you would make this plan successful (i.e., how will you promote it?): (a) Include information on how your plan would positively affect the factors described for the community/culture/subculture in relation to the chronic illness (i.e., lifestyle changes for a person suffering from a diabetic condition); (b) Describe how you would go about implementing your plan. Where your plan would be based (for example, if your choice is children with cancer, would that be in a hospital, school, etc.?); (c) How would your plan be different from any existing plan for your chosen community/culture/subculture? Explain any obstacles that might get in the way of implementing your plan, and how would you overcome these obstacles. These obstacles might include the existing plan, dynamics of the population, or other problems. Use four to six outside peer-reviewed journal articles to support your discussion (one of which may be the textbook). Scholarly support is evidenced by in-text citations that match source references. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Benchmark Information This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency: BS Nutritional Sciences; BS Psychology; BS Public Health; BS Sociology 3.4: Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.

Paper For Above Instructions

The increasing incidence of chronic illnesses and diseases like cancer and diabetes poses a significant threat to public health globally. With lifestyle diseases becoming the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in recent years, there is an urgent need for targeted intervention strategies. This paper proposes a comprehensive plan to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes within the African American community in the United States, characterized by distinct risk factors and cultural practices that contribute to the disease’s prevalence. It is essential to leverage sociocultural factors in designing a relevant prevention program aimed at effecting lifestyle changes, promoting wellness, and maximizing health outcomes.

Background of the Community

The African American community represents a diverse population with varied demographics, including factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), African Americans constitute approximately 13.4% of the U.S. population, with a median age of around 34. The historical context significantly impacts health outcomes, as systemic inequity has led to disparities in education, income, and access to healthcare services (Williams & Mohammed, 2009). These disparities contribute to higher rates of chronic illness and disease, specifically Type 2 diabetes.

Historical Factors Impacting Health Care

The legacy of historical injustices, including slavery, segregation, and discriminatory healthcare practices, has shaped the contemporary health landscape of the African American community. The Tuskegee Study, which negatively affected trust in medical research among African Americans, serves as a poignant example of the damaging effects of systemic injustice on public health perceptions (Gamble, 1997). Furthermore, cultural norms and traditions often influence health behaviors, such as dietary practices and physical activity, which are essential factors related to diabetes management and prevention (Rogers et al., 2017).

Importance of a Prevention Program

The high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes within the African American community underscores the necessity of implementing a targeted prevention program. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022), African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to white Americans. Given the multiple risk factors present, including obesity, high blood pressure, and limited access to healthy food options, a tailored approach can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

Components of the Plan

This proposed plan comprises various components designed to address the unique needs of the African American community effectively. Key factors to consider include:

• Education: Engaging the community through health education programs that emphasize the importance of nutrition, exercise, and regular health screenings. Workshops and seminars led by health professionals can empower individuals to make informed lifestyle choices.
• Socioeconomic Status (SES): Collaborating with local organizations to provide resources, such as discounted or free healthy food and access to fitness facilities within the community. Targeting low-income neighborhoods can help alleviate food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles.
• Lifestyle Behaviors: Integrating culturally relevant approaches, such as traditional cooking classes that demonstrate how to prepare nutritious meals while honoring cultural preferences.
• Self-Care: Establishing support groups focusing on diabetes management, where participants can share experiences, challenges, and successes with one another. This creates a sense of community and accountability.
• Religious/Spiritual Factors: Engaging local faith-based organizations to disseminate health messages, as churches play a pivotal role in the African American community. Combining health advocacy with spiritual upliftment can foster acceptance and participation.

Implementation of the Plan

Implementation of this plan would involve several steps:

• Location: Programs would be based in community centers, churches, and schools to maximize reach and accessibility. Establishing mobile health units could also help bring services directly to underserved areas.
• Collaboration: Partnering with local health practitioners, nutritionists, and community leaders to ensure that the plan is well-informed, culturally sensitive, and supported.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop a marketing strategy that includes social media campaigns, flyers, community events, and word-of-mouth to promote awareness of the new initiatives.

Differentiation from Existing Plans

Distinct from existing diabetes prevention programs, this plan uniquely focuses on community engagement, culturally relevant educational strategies, and collaborations with local institutions to ensure sustainability and trust. By addressing root causes and incorporating sociocultural factors, this plan offers a holistic and comprehensive framework tailored to meet the specific needs of the African American community.

Obstacles and Solutions

Potential obstacles to implementing this plan include community skepticism and varying health literacy levels. Building trust is essential—thus, establishing relationships with local leaders who can advocate for the programs and utilizing testimonies from community members who have successfully navigated diabetes management can enhance credibility. Providing tailored education that is easy to understand and engage with will help address health literacy barriers (Norris et al., 2009).

Conclusion

Implementing a targeted plan to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the African American community presents an opportunity to reverse the prevailing trends of chronic illness and foster a healthier future. By considering historical context, community dynamics, and employing culturally relevant strategies, we can create an environment that promotes wellness and empowers individuals to take control of their health. This plan aligns with the need for sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry and presents a sustainable approach to managing chronic disease.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). National diabetes statistics report.
• Gamble, V. N. (1997). Under the shadow of Tuskegee: African Americans and health care. American Journal of Public Health, 87(11), 1773-1778.
• Norris, S. L., et al. (2009). Effectiveness of behavioral interventions to promote physical activity and dietary lifestyle changes for weight loss in adults: A systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 150(9), 622-627.
• Rogers, S. A., et al. (2017). Cultural beliefs about diabetes and diabetes management among African Americans. Journal of Community Health, 42(3), 567-577.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). QuickFacts: United States.
• Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-47.
• Freeman, L., et al. (2020). Understanding obesity and its impact on diabetes in African Americans: Opportunities for prevention. Health Promotion Practice, 21(1), 142-156.
• Cooper, R. S., et al. (2015). Racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes: An overview. Health Affairs, 34(3), 412-420.
• Haffner, S. M. (2015). Epidemiology of Type 2 diabetes and its cardiovascular implications. Current Diabetes Reports, 15(9), 73.
• Van Duyn, M. A., & Pivonka, E. (2000). Overview of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(1), 10-14.