Family Health Assessment II Comment By Jerina Lori ✓ Solved
Family Health Assessment II Comment by Jerina, Lori: See my correction to your title page and the extra space after the title
Analyze the social determinants of health for a designated family, identify predisposing factors, and propose recommendations for screening and healthy behavior change. Discuss how these factors influence health disparities within the family, and develop a culturally competent health promotion plan grounded in evidence-based practices.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The health status of families is intricately linked to social determinants that influence access to resources, lifestyle choices, and health outcomes. Social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass a wide array of factors including economic stability, education, social support, access to healthcare, and community environments. Understanding how these determinants impact a specific family’s health can guide tailored interventions aimed at promoting wellness and reducing disparities. This paper examines the social determinants affecting a retired couple and their adult children, highlighting predisposing factors and formulating culturally competent health promotion strategies.
Economic stability is a foundational determinant influencing health outcomes. The family under discussion comprises a retired teacher and a retired army officer, both benefiting from solid pension schemes, enabling financial independence. Their economic stability grants them access to healthcare services, nutritious food, and facilities for physical activity such as a home gym. However, despite financial means, lifestyle choices such as infrequent exercise and poor dietary habits, particularly junk food consumption, pose health risks. Their financial resources, while advantageous, do not necessarily translate into healthy behaviors, which are influenced by personal motivation and social support systems (Magnan, 2017).
Educational attainment plays a significant role in health literacy and behavior. The family members are relatively educated; nonetheless, knowledge about healthy nutrition and physical activity does not always lead to health-promoting behaviors. The mother’s continued intake of unhealthy foods despite awareness of adverse effects exemplifies the complex interplay between knowledge and behavior. Education equips individuals with awareness and understanding of risk factors but social and personal factors often influence the translation of knowledge into action (Seus et al., 2019).
The family’s stage cycle as a retiring family influences screening needs. For the adult daughters aged 30 and 33, age-appropriate screenings such as lipid profiles, blood pressure monitoring, and self-breast examinations are recommended due to the familial history of hypertension and diabetes. For the mother, annual mammograms and routine Pap smears are crucial for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The husband, being over 45, should undergo prostate-specific antigen testing and colonoscopy screenings to detect potential malignancies early. These targeted screenings are vital in identifying health issues early when they are most treatable (Carroll et al., 2017).
Applying a social model of health emphasizes prevention over cure. Education aimed at the entire family can foster lifestyle modifications that mitigate risk factors. Empowering the family with knowledge about healthy eating, regular exercise, and routine screenings can prevent the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes despite their familial predispositions. For the elderly parents, strategies focusing on reducing complications and managing existing health conditions are essential; for the younger adults, preventive behavior can delay or prevent disease onset (Zare & Vafadar, 2020).
Family-centered health promotion involves open communication, participation in care, and health literacy development. The nurse plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue about health risks, screening importance, and lifestyle changes. Encouraging family involvement enhances adherence to health recommendations. Tailoring health messages to resonate culturally and socially improves receptiveness and efficacy of interventions (Kaakinen et al., 2018). For example, considering cultural dietary preferences while promoting nutritious alternatives can enhance acceptance of dietary modifications.
Developing a comprehensive care plan based on health promotion principles requires addressing multiple levels of prevention. Primary prevention strategies include lifestyle education and vaccination programs, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, pertinent for older adults. Secondary prevention involves screening tests like mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies, which facilitate early detection. Tertiary prevention focuses on managing existing conditions through medication adherence and lifestyle adjustments. Integrating these approaches within a culturally sensitive framework ensures the family’s specific needs and beliefs are respected, improving health outcomes (Magnan, 2017).
Culturally competent health promotion must acknowledge cultural beliefs, practices, and theoretical models that influence health behaviors. For this family, understanding cultural attitudes towards health, traditional diets, and health interventions can improve engagement. Applying models such as the Health Belief Model helps tailor messages that address perceived benefits and barriers, fostering positive health actions. For example, respecting dietary customs while suggesting healthier modifications can align health recommendations with cultural values, leading to better adherence (Zare & Vafadar, 2020).
The organization and effectiveness of health promotion efforts hinge on clear purpose, logical argumentation, and credible evidence. A well-structured plan involves assessing the family’s strengths and barriers, setting achievable goals, and implementing culturally relevant interventions. Regular follow-up and reassessment ensure that health behaviors are sustained and adjusted as needed. Evidence-based guidelines undergird the interventions, ensuring they are scientifically sound and effective (Carroll et al., 2017).
In conclusion, social determinants profoundly affect the health of families. Addressing economic, educational, and cultural factors through tailored, evidence-based, and culturally competent strategies can promote healthier lifestyles and equitable health outcomes. Engaging families in communication, education, and screening efforts ensures more effective promotion of wellness and reduction of health disparities across diverse populations.
References
- Carroll, J. C., Campbell-Scherer, D., Permaul, J. A., Myers, J., Manca, D. P., Meaney, C., & Grunfeld, E. (2017). Assessing the family history of chronic disease in primary care: prevalence, documentation, and appropriate screening. Canadian Family Physician, 63(1), e58-e67.
- Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research. FA Davis.
- Magnan, S. (2017). Social determinants of health 101 for health care: five plus five. NAM Perspectives.
- Seus, T. L. C., Silveira, D. S. D., Tomasi, E., Thumé, E., Facchini, L. A., & Siqueira, F. V. (2019). Family Health Support Center: health promotion, physical activity, and chronic diseases in Brazil-national PMAQ survey 2013. Epidemiologia e Serviços de Saúde, 28, e.
- Zare, H., & Vafadar, Z. (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice based on Family Health: a review of the best Educational Models in Nursing. Iranian Journal of Systematic Review in Medical Sciences, 1(2), 51-59.
- Additional literature on culturally tailored health promotion strategies and screening guidelines can be found in peer-reviewed nursing journals and public health agencies for current best practices.