Determinants Of Health And Factors Contributing To Maria's T

Determinants of Health and Factors Contributing to Maria's TB

Maria's health condition, specifically her recurrent and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), can be understood through various determinants of health. Her initial infection with TB was likely influenced by environmental and social factors common in rural mountainous regions of Peru. Such areas often face challenges like limited access to healthcare, crowded living conditions, and poor sanitation, all of which increase the risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as TB (Skolnik, 2019). Maria's previous TB infection and subsequent development of drug-resistant TB were exacerbated by her incomplete treatment regimen. She started her antibiotics but discontinued them after feeling better, which is a significant risk factor for developing drug-resistant strains of TB. Non-adherence to treatment allows the bacteria to survive and develop resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat (World Health Organization, 2021).

Social and economic determinants profoundly impact Maria's health outcomes. Living in a remote mountainous area likely means limited access to healthcare services, health education, and resources such as transportation to clinics or pharmacies. Economic constraints might prevent her from consistently obtaining medication or seeking follow-up care, thus increasing the risk of treatment interruption and resistance development. Additionally, gender roles and cultural beliefs in rural Peru may influence health-seeking behaviors, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment (Farmer, 2020). Poverty diminishes her capacity to afford healthcare costs and nutrition, which are crucial for recovery and immunity. These interconnected social and economic factors create a cycle that perpetuates health disparities, leading to worse outcomes for vulnerable populations like Maria.

Paper For Above instruction

Maria's experience with tuberculosis illustrates how complex interactions among biological, social, and economic determinants of health influence disease progression and treatment outcomes. Her initial TB infection likely resulted from environmental exposure compounded by living conditions in the remote mountains of Peru. Overcrowded dwellings, poor ventilation, and limited healthcare access are well-documented risk factors contributing to the transmission and occurrence of TB in rural and impoverished settings (Skolnik, 2019). These conditions foster an environment where TB can thrive and spread, especially when health services are scarce or difficult to access. Additionally, Maria’s initial treatment compliance issues played a significant role in the development of drug-resistant TB, a serious public health concern globally. Patients who do not complete their prescribed medications inadvertently select for resistant strains of the bacteria, complicating subsequent treatment efforts (World Health Organization, 2021).

On a broader scale, social determinants such as poverty, education, and cultural factors significantly impacted Maria’s healthcare journey. Pervasive poverty restricts access to nutritious food, transportation, and consistent medical care, thereby impairing immune function and reducing the ability to recover (Farmer, 2020). In rural Peru, economic hardships are compounded by geographical isolation, making it difficult for Maria to seek timely medical intervention. Moreover, cultural beliefs and gender norms may influence health-seeking behaviors; women in some rural communities might prioritize family responsibilities over personal health or may lack awareness of TB symptoms and the importance of completing treatment (WHO, 2021). These factors collectively create barriers to effective healthcare utilization and adherence, ultimately increasing the risk of disease relapse and drug resistance, as seen in Maria’s case. Addressing these social and economic determinants is crucial for comprehensive tuberculosis control and improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

References

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  • World Health Organization. (2021). Tuberculosis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
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