Consider The Following Factors That Affect Chronic Illness

Taskconsider The Following Factors That Affect Chronic Illness When Re

Consider the following factors that affect chronic illness when responding to your selected topic — pain, stigma, social isolation, altered mobility, or fatigue. Based on the research, identify which of these factors has the greatest impact on a patient and explain why. Additionally, contrast at least two ways these factors would affect a twelve-year-old compared to a seventy-five-year-old. For the second topic, assume both the twelve-year-old and the seventy-five-year-old have a chronic illness. Describe the typical trajectory of this illness and discuss how this trajectory influences the patient's plan of care.

Paper For Above instruction

Chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that significantly affect individuals' lives, often influencing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Among the various factors impacting patients with chronic illnesses—pain, stigma, social isolation, altered mobility, and fatigue—pain often emerges as the most profound factor influencing patient outcomes. It directly affects physical function, emotional health, and treatment adherence, and can exacerbate other issues such as social withdrawal or feelings of stigma. Understanding the influence of pain allows healthcare providers to address not only physical symptoms but also psychological and social challenges, thereby improving overall patient well-being (Gatchel et al., 2014).

Furthermore, the impact of these factors varies remarkably with age. For a twelve-year-old, social isolation stemming from stigma or altered mobility can lead to profound developmental challenges, including difficulties in peer relationships and identity development. Children at this age rely heavily on peer acceptance, and social exclusion can cause internalized shame or anxiety, hindering their social skills (Lloyd & Halstead, 2018). Conversely, a seventy-five-year-old might experience social isolation due to retirement, loss of spouse, or mobility issues. The effects in older adults could include increased risk of depression, decreased quality of life, and higher mortality rates. While both age groups suffer from social isolation, the psychosocial ramifications differ, with children possibly developing long-term social anxiety and seniors facing compounded loneliness and physical decline (Fuzzell et al., 2020).

The age-specific differences extend to how these factors influence illness trajectory and management strategies. In children, chronic illness trajectories often feature rapid developmental milestones affected by the illness, with growth and learning potentially delayed. For example, a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may experience fluctuating disease activity, influencing their social participation and schooling (Michelsen et al., 2021). In older adults, the trajectory tends to be more progressive, with gradual decline in function and increased comorbidities, necessitating adjustments in care plans to focus on maintaining independence and managing multiple health conditions (Kiely et al., 2019).

The illness trajectory—how a disease progresses over time—significantly influences care planning. For children, early intervention during the disease's fluctuating phases can help mitigate disabilities and improve developmental outcomes. In contrast, for older adults, understanding the expected progression helps in tailoring palliative care, maximizing comfort, and supporting autonomy (Meyer & Van den Block, 2017). Recognizing the distinct trajectories assists healthcare teams in developing age-appropriate care strategies that align with patients' evolving needs, ultimately improving quality of life across the lifespan.

References

• Fuzzell, L., Hinnant, C., & Murrillo, M. (2020). Social Isolation and Its Impact on Elderly Health. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(5), 19–27.
• Gatchel, R. J., McGeary, D. D., McGeary, C. A., & Lippe, B. (2014). Interdisciplinary Pain Management and United States Health Care. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 30(5), 378–384.
• Kiely, D. K., Mitchell, S. L., & Du, Y. (2019). Long-Term Trajectories of Disability Among Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 31(10), 1142–1159.
• Lloyd, C., & Halstead, J. (2018). Children’s Development and Social Wellbeing. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 45, 120–125.
• Michelsen, S. I., Nørgaard, M., & Madsen, K. (2021). Disease Course in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care & Research, 73(4), 540–548.
• Meyer, J., & Van den Block, L. (2017). Palliative and End-of-life Care for Older People. The Lancet, 389(10076), 1063–1073.