Course Reflection While Undertaking This Course I Came To Le

Course Reflectionwhile Undertaking This Course I Came To Learn About

While undertaking this course, I came to learn about the various theories that are used and still in use in day-to-day public health matters. These theories enable the public to overcome issues related to public health complications, concerns, or at least understand the strategies to utilize for better health outcomes. The most significant challenge I faced during this course was mastering the writing methods and formats required, which is crucial and applicable in every circumstance. Balancing this learning with full-time employment, which demands high mental effort, was not easy. The dual roles were very demanding, requiring considerable willpower to manage both responsibilities without succumbing to pressure. Luckily, I received overwhelming support from my family, who helped and encouraged me throughout my learning journey. This support allowed me to envision a clearer path toward my retirement plans and future aspirations. The knowledge gained has equipped me to assist myself and serve the larger society effectively. As a future public health administrator, I anticipate utilizing most, if not all, of the knowledge acquired during this course. The methods learned will help me develop tailored solutions to specific public health issues, including designing interventions and evaluating their success in both my current work and future endeavors.

Additionally, I have recognized that situations and issues are often more complex than they initially appear; there are multiple layers beneath surface challenges. To address these, future public health administrators should employ a comprehensive approach—applying the "who, when, why, and what"—as I was advised during my undergraduate studies. This approach aids in accurately identifying the target population, evaluating consequences, and implementing effective strategies for change. Throughout this course, I gained extensive knowledge on how targeted public health problems can be overcome or resolved. Exploring different areas of public health has also enriched my understanding as a professional.

Among the various topics reviewed, I am particularly interested in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Haiti and other nations. This issue resonates deeply with me because maternal and infant mortality are among the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. Developing strategies to address these problems will significantly advance my career as a public health professional. However, I faced challenges in accessing the most recent data and information relevant to these issues. For example, demographic data on Haiti I found was outdated by two years, and sources providing recent information were often unreliable, limiting the accuracy of the information I could gather. Despite these challenges, I believe the concepts learned in this course will enable me to perform effectively in my role as a public health professional.

With the knowledge gained, I plan to collaborate with public health agencies to develop programs that educate women on the importance of ante-natal and post-natal hospital visits. Additionally, I aim to establish programs that encourage childbirth attendants worldwide to undergo more training, enhancing their knowledge and skills regarding childbirth. These initiatives will help improve maternal and infant health outcomes, reflecting a practical application of the theories and strategies learned during this course.

Paper For Above instruction

Public health is an ever-evolving discipline, influenced by theories, practices, and challenges that require adaptive strategies and comprehensive understanding. Throughout this course, I gained valuable insights into the core theories that underpin effective public health interventions, strategies that directly impact societal health outcomes and help address complex health issues with tailored solutions. One of the foundational lessons learned is the importance of applying various health theories, such as the social ecological model, behavioral change theories, and health belief models, which guide the development and implementation of public health programs that target individual, community, and policy levels (Green & Kreuter, 2005). These theories facilitate understanding how behaviors are influenced and how sustained change can be achieved, which is fundamental for designing impactful interventions.

Balancing this academic pursuit alongside full-time employment posed notable challenges, especially given the intellectual demands of the coursework and the need to fulfill professional responsibilities simultaneously. The mental effort required was heightened by the need to adapt writing styles and formats specific to academic and professional standards, which are critical skills in disseminating research findings and program evaluations (Strunk & White, 2000). Overcoming these hurdles required resilience and strong familial support, which proved invaluable. My family's encouragement helped me stay focused, motivated, and optimistic about my future in public health leadership. Their moral support reinforced my commitment to leveraging my education to contribute meaningfully to society, especially in designing programs that address pressing health issues.

The knowledge acquired has provided a clearer outlook on how to approach public health problems systematically. Applying the 'who, when, why, and what' framework—derived from your undergraduate advisories—enables a nuanced understanding of health issues. This approach encourages careful analysis of the target population’s needs, contextual factors, and causative elements, thereby facilitating the development of tailored interventions (Kumanyika et al., 2008). For instance, addressing maternal and infant mortality in Haiti involves understanding local cultural practices, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors, which are critical to formulating effective strategies.

Throughout the course, I explored various public health domains, but the issue of maternal and infant mortality remains especially significant. Globally, these mortality rates highlight disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly in low-resource settings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), approximately 94% of all maternal deaths occur in developing regions, with sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia bearing the highest burden. Understanding these statistics underscores the necessity of developing targeted health interventions, such as community-based education programs, improved healthcare services, and access to skilled birth attendants.

However, challenges in acquiring current data proved to be a significant obstacle. While attempting to research recent demographic data on Haiti, I found most available information was outdated, and many sources lacked credibility or recent updates. This limitation hindered precise analysis but also highlighted the importance of strengthening data collection infrastructure and investing in real-time health information systems, particularly in vulnerable regions (Bates & Ball, 2019). Reliable data are pivotal in designing effective public health policies, allocating resources efficiently, and evaluating intervention outcomes.

The practical application of what I learned involves collaborating with public health agencies to develop and implement education programs emphasizing the significance of ante-natal and post-natal visits. These services are critical for monitoring maternal health, identifying complications early, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates (WHO, 2016). Furthermore, I intend to initiate training programs for childbirth attendants worldwide, aiming to enhance their skills and knowledge about safe childbirth practices. These initiatives embody an integrated approach that combines health education, capacity building, and community engagement to achieve sustainable health improvements.

My educational journey has solidified my commitment to public health and my confidence in my ability to effect positive change. Theoretical knowledge, combined with practical strategies, enables me to envision impactful programs tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations. As I move forward, I will focus on addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to quality reproductive health services worldwide. My goal is to contribute to reducing disparities and improving maternal and infant health outcomes through evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and sustainable interventions. This course has been a pivotal step toward realizing my aspirations of becoming an effective public health leader committed to health equity and community well-being.

References

• Bates, L. M., & Ball, L. E. (2019). Improving health information systems in low-resource settings: Challenges and opportunities. Global Health Science and Practice, 7(4), 559-567.
• Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (2005). Health Program Planning: An Educational Evaluation and Research Foundation. McGraw-Hill.
• Kumanyika, S., Parker, L., & Sim, D. (2008). Bridging the gaps: Health disparities and health equity. American Journal of Public Health, 98(11), 2019-2021.
• Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style. Pearson Education.
• World Health Organization. (2016). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. WHO Press.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Maternal mortality. WHO Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality