Describe The Population Health Problem And Community Assessm ✓ Solved

Describe the population health problem and community assessment

Identify a specific population group within your community and thoroughly describe their health problem, supporting your description with relevant data. Include insights into concepts and related issues. Detail the results of a community assessment that demonstrates collaboration with healthcare team members or community groups that represent the problem. Develop culturally competent, evidence-based interventions aimed at primary prevention at both the community and system levels. Select and describe a way to evaluate the outcomes of your project. Present your project to a community professional, including contact information, and describe your role as a healthcare leader in the community. Your presentation should include 15-18 slides with clear, concise bullet points (no more than seven lines per slide and seven words per line), a professional background that enhances the presentation, and adhere to APA formatting for in-text citations and references. Use appropriate background and font choices, and ensure the content is structured in a logical manner. The project should be approximately 1000 words, include at least ten credible references, and be well-structured academically. The focus should be on comprehensive analysis and evidence-based strategies suitable for community health nursing and leadership.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Community health nursing plays a vital role in identifying and addressing health issues within specific populations. In this paper, I focus on the geriatric population within my community in northwest metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, a demographic that faces unique health challenges influenced by social determinants of health. Through community assessment, data analysis, and collaborative intervention strategies, this paper illustrates the process of developing culturally competent, evidence-based primary prevention measures aimed at improving health outcomes for older adults.

Community Description and Health Problem

The community, with a population of approximately 21,760 residents, reflects a diverse racial composition comprising 73% White, 20.8% African American, and 12.7% Latino/Hispanic residents. The age distribution indicates that 14.9% are aged 65 or older, and the community experiences a range of health issues common among the elderly, including hypertension, diabetes, respiratory diseases, stroke, cancer, dementia, and depression. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and social isolation significantly impact health outcomes. As a hospice nurse practicing with a privately owned hospice, I observe that my primarily geriatric patients often face multifaceted health challenges exacerbated by social determinants like limited access to nutritious food, inadequate transportation, and social loneliness—especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Problem and Data Support

The prevalence of hypertension among seniors is notably high; CDC data indicates that 63.1% of adults aged 60 and over have high blood pressure, significantly elevating their risk for stroke and heart attack (CDC, 2019). The physiological changes associated with aging—such as decreased liver and kidney function—compound the difficulty in managing blood pressure effectively (Arik & Yavuz, 2014). Further, cognitive impairments and physical limitations often hinder medication adherence and timely healthcare access, leading to uncontrolled hypertension. Public health data from Georgia ranks 33rd nationally for hypertension management, illustrating regional disparities in care. Evidence from scholarly articles emphasizes the need for targeted interventions addressing these physiological and social factors to optimize outcomes (Lu, Tang, & Wang, 2015).

Community Resources, Cultural Considerations, and Health Disparities

Community resources such as hypertension management clinics, mobile health units, and nutrition education programs are vital in addressing gaps, especially considering cultural variations influencing health behaviors. For example, language barriers and differing health beliefs among minority populations necessitate culturally sensitive approaches, such as interpreter services and culturally tailored health education. Recognizing genetic predisposition, such as African Americans' higher prevalence of hypertension and associated complications, informs the development of culturally competent care strategies (American Geriatrics Society, 2016). Implementing evidence-based interventions, such as promoting the DASH diet—a dietary plan proven effective in lowering blood pressure—must be adapted to the cultural preferences and literacy levels of the community (Anna et al., 2020). Ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance enhances engagement and efficacy of health promotion efforts.

Interventions and Outcome Evaluation

An effective intervention for this population involves culturally tailored nutrition education emphasizing the DASH diet, combined with community-based physical activity programs adapted to seniors' physical capabilities. The intervention's success will be measured by increases in the proportion of seniors achieving blood pressure control (

Role as a Healthcare Leader

As a healthcare leader within the community, my role involves advocating for policies that support accessible, culturally competent care and fostering collaborations among healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents. Leading initiatives that prioritize health education, screening, and preventive services cultivates trust and encourages community participation. By facilitating culturally sensitive communication and empowering seniors through health literacy, I aim to bridge gaps in care, improve health outcomes, and promote health equity. Leadership also entails continuous evaluation and adaptation of programs based on community feedback and health outcome data, ensuring sustainable improvements in community health.

Conclusion

Addressing the health challenges faced by the elderly in my community requires a comprehensive, culturally competent approach grounded in community assessment and collaboration. Implementing evidence-based interventions like the DASH diet, alongside tailored education and resource development, offers a pathway to improved blood pressure management and overall health enhancement. As a community health nurse and leader, fostering equitable, respectful, and culturally sensitive care is essential in closing health disparities and promoting healthy aging.

References

  • American Geriatrics Society. (2016). Achieving High-Quality Multicultural Geriatric Care. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 64(2).
  • Arik, G., & Yavuz, B. B. (2014). Hypertension in Older Adults-Geriatrician Point of View. Journal of Gerontology & Geriatric Research, 03(05).
  • CDC. (2019). FastStats - Hypertension. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hypertension.htm
  • Lu, C., Tang, S., & Wang, P. (2015). Community-based interventions in hypertensive patients: a comparison of three health education strategies. BMC Public Health, 15.
  • American Society on Aging. (n.d.). Equity and Social Determinants of Health Among Older Adults. https://www.asaging.org
  • Anna, D., Morze, D., Mariusz, P., & Eufemia, P. (2020). Association of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Physical Activity, and Their Combination with Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients, 12(1).
  • Beers Criteria: Some Medications to Avoid in the Elderly. (2012). Tmc.Edu. https://www.tmc.edu
  • Explore High Blood Pressure in the United States | 2019 Annual Report. (n.d.). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Wk 2 · Describe specific health issues among the community's at-risk populations, supported by evidence and public health sources.
  • Wk 3 · Identify community resources, cultural considerations, genetic predispositions, and measureable outcomes from interventions.

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