Assignment 2: Community Health Promotion Project

Assignment 2: Community Health Promotion Project

For this assignment, you will compose a scholarly paper focused on health promotion for a population of your choosing. Your paper should be 6 to 7 pages in length and formatted in APA style. Be sure to address the following: Identify the population you choose and analyze relevant information (demographics, socioeconomics, environmental hazards, and access to healthcare) pertaining to your chosen population. Analyze and discuss the mortality and morbidity risk factors for your selected population. Discuss four health risk factors. Suggest a health promotion activity for each health issue identified from your analysis. Use course lectures, textbook readings, and three scholarly journal articles to support your findings and recommendations in relation to your chosen population. On a separate page, cite all sources using APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The focus of this paper is on community health promotion tailored to a specific population, aiming to identify key health issues and propose effective interventions. For this purpose, I selected the Hispanic/Latino population in urban areas, which faces unique health disparities rooted in socio-economic, environmental, and healthcare access challenges. This demographic is growing rapidly in many countries, including the United States, demanding targeted health promotion strategies that are culturally sensitive and accessible.

Demographically, Hispanics/Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States, comprising approximately 18.5% of the total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). The age distribution skewed towards a younger demographic, with a median age of 29 years, reflects high birth rates within the community. Socioeconomically, this population experiences higher poverty rates, with nearly 18.3% living below the federal poverty level compared to 10.5% of the general U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Educational attainment is lower, with many individuals lacking access to higher education, which influences employment opportunities and healthcare access. Many live in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods with environmental hazards such as poor sanitation, high pollution levels, and limited green spaces, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

Access to healthcare remains a significant barrier for many Hispanics/Latinos due to factors such as lack of insurance, language barriers, cultural differences, and fear of immigration enforcement. Data indicate that nearly 22% of Hispanics/Latinos lack health insurance compared to 9% of non-Hispanic whites (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). These barriers often result in delayed or missed healthcare services, contributing to poor health outcomes within this community.

Analyzing mortality and morbidity data reveals prominent health issues within the Hispanic/Latino population. For example, higher incidences of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and certain cancers are prevalent (CDC, 2022). The risk factors contributing to these health disparities include lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and healthcare access barriers.

Four key health risk factors identified are: (1) poor nutritional intake, leading to obesity and diabetes; (2) sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity; (3) tobacco use; and (4) limited access to preventive healthcare services. These risk factors significantly contribute to the higher burden of chronic diseases observed in the community.

To address these issues, targeted health promotion activities have been proposed. For poor nutrition, community-based nutrition counseling programs utilizing culturally relevant dietary guidance can promote healthier eating habits. For physical inactivity, establishment of safe, accessible community parks and exercise programs tailored to cultural preferences encourage active lifestyles. Smoking cessation initiatives, including culturally sensitive educational campaigns and support groups in Spanish, can reduce tobacco use. Lastly, enhancing access to preventive healthcare services through mobile clinics, community health workers, and partnerships with local clinics helps overcome barriers and promote early detection and management of chronic conditions.

Supporting these recommendations, literature indicates that culturally tailored health interventions are more effective in minority populations (Resnicow et al., 2002). Community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and empowering community members are essential components that promote sustainable behavioral change. Furthermore, integrating community health workers into healthcare delivery improves trust and engagement, ultimately leading to better health outcomes (Viswanathan et al., 2010). Public health policies should also focus on reducing environmental hazards and improving healthcare infrastructure in underserved communities to create a supportive environment for health promotion.

In conclusion, addressing the unique health risks faced by the Hispanic/Latino population requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates cultural relevance, community participation, and structural improvements. Developing tailored health promotion activities targeting identified risk factors can help reduce health disparities, improve quality of life, and foster a healthier community.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Hispanic health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/race-ethnicity/chronic-disease/hispanic-health.htm
  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Hispanic/Latino health coverage. https://www.kff.org/disparities-policy/issue-brief/hispanic-latino-health-coverage/
  • Resnicow, K., Baranowski, T., Ahluwalia, J. S., & Braithwaite, R. L. (2002). Cultural sensitivity in public health: defined and described. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 23(3), 78-86.
  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). The Hispanic population in the United States: 2020. https://www.census.gov/data.html
  • Viswanathan, M., Kraschnewski, J. L., Nishikawa, B., et al. (2010). Outcomes and costs of community health worker interventions: a systematic review. Medical Care, 48(9), 792–808.
  • American Cancer Society. (2022). Cancer facts & figures for Hispanics/Latinos. https://www.cancer.org
  • Hajat, A., & LaViest, R. M. (2021). Environmental health disparities among urban populations. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(8), 087001.
  • Gordon-Larsen, P., Nelson, M. C., Page, P., & Popkin, B. M. (2006). Inequality in the built environment underlies key health disparities in physical activity and obesity. Pediatrics, 117(2), 417-424.
  • Valle, M., Tapia, J., & Martínez, M. (2017). Culturally tailored health promotion strategies for Latino communities. Journal of Community Health, 42(2), 201-210.
  • Hernández, L. M., et al. (2018). Addressing social determinants to improve health outcomes for Latinos. Preventing Chronic Disease, 15, E07.

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