Create An Educational Program, Event, Or Piece Of Literature

Create an educational program, event, or piece of literature that incorporates best practices in health promotion and disease prevention for a diverse population

Develop an educational program, event, or piece of literature that promotes wellness and disease prevention targeting a specific diverse population. Explain how you developed this educational material, addressing any barriers to disease prevention and health promotion within this population. Support your explanation with scholarly resources and ensure your work demonstrates proficiency in evidence-based practice, effective communication, health promotion, and culturally appropriate nursing approaches. Use APA formatting, double-spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and include a title page and references.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the pursuit of enhancing community health, targeted health promotion and disease prevention initiatives are vital, especially among diverse populations with unique cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. This paper presents an educational brochure designed to promote colorectal cancer screening among Hispanic adults aged 50–75 years. The brochure aims to increase awareness, dispel misconceptions, and encourage regular screening—integrating best practices in health promotion tailored to cultural sensitivities and barriers.

Development of the Educational Material

The decision to develop a culturally sensitive brochure stemmed from a review of community health assessments indicating lower participation in colorectal cancer screening among Hispanic populations. Literature underscores the importance of culturally appropriate health education strategies to improve health outcomes in minority groups (Benjamins et al., 2013). The brochure content was crafted based on evidence-based guidelines from the American Cancer Society, emphasizing the importance of early detection and screening options like colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing.

The brochure incorporates linguistic considerations, using Spanish language and idiomatic expressions familiar to the targeted community. It highlights cultural beliefs and common misconceptions about screening, such as fears about pain and embarrassment, addressing them directly with empathetic language and testimonials from community members who have undergone screening (Haas et al., 2014). Visuals include culturally relevant images to enhance relatability, and information on local screening resources and financial assistance programs is prominently featured.

Barriers to Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The Hispanic community faces several barriers to colorectal cancer screening, including language barriers, cultural beliefs, fears, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare resources (Bleich et al., 2014). Religious beliefs may influence health behaviors; some individuals may rely primarily on faith-based healing practices or perceive disease as predetermined, reducing motivation to seek preventive care (Gany et al., 2013). Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as lack of health insurance and transportation issues further impede screening participation.

Overcoming Barriers through Educational Strategies

The brochure strategy is effective because it directly addresses misconceptions and provides culturally appropriate information in a language that resonates with the audience. Visual aids enhance understanding regardless of literacy levels, and listing local, accessible screening resources reduces logistical concerns. Incorporating testimonials from community members fosters trust and demonstrates that screening is culturally acceptable and beneficial. Furthermore, distributing the brochure through trusted community organizations—churches, clinics, and cultural centers—ensures it reaches a wider audience and builds community rapport.

Conclusion

Designing culturally tailored health education interventions is essential for overcoming barriers to disease prevention in diverse populations. The brochure developed for Hispanic adults exemplifies how evidence-based, culturally sensitive strategies can promote health behaviors, improve screening rates, and ultimately reduce health disparities. Future efforts should include community engagement, ongoing evaluation, and adaptation to evolving cultural needs to sustain positive health outcomes.

References

  • Benjamins, M. R., Horowitz, C. R., & Gany, F. (2013). The influence of acculturation on cancer screening among immigrants: A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 36(4), 423–454.
  • Bleich, S. N., Jarlenski, M. P., Bell, C. N., & LaVeist, T. A. (2014). Health disparities and health equity: The need for a new approach. American Journal of Public Health, 104(Suppl 4), S517–S519.
  • Gany, F., Ramirez, J., & Fuentes, D. (2013). Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer screening: Challenges and solutions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 45(2), 232–240.
  • Haas, D. A., Mays, M. Z., & Casarett, D. J. (2014). Addressing barriers for health screening in minority populations. Journal of Community Health, 39(2), 307–314.
  • American Cancer Society. (2021). Colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org
  • Giger, J. N., & Davidhizar, R. (2014). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach. Elsevier.
  • Sentell, T., Braun, K. L., Davis, T., & Davis, J. (2014). Healthy literacy and disparities in cancer screening among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Cancer, 120(Suppl 16), 2717–2724.
  • Yoo, G. J., Mincy, R. B., & Chesney, M. A. (2014). Cultural competence and health disparities. Journal of Healthcare for the Poor and Underserved, 25(4), 1430–1441.
  • Martens, P., & Pitsiolas, L. (2013). Cultural considerations in promoting cancer screening. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 45(3), 247–253.
  • World Health Organization. (2018). Cultural influences on health behaviors. WHO Publications. https://www.who.int

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