Global Paper Assignment Nur 423a Daly Or Disability Adjusted

Global Paper Assignmentnur423a Daly Or Disability Adjusted Life Years

Choose one of the leading causes of DALY: COPD, Low Back Pain, Type 2 DM, Self-Harm, Depression, Coronary Disease/CVA, Maternal Mortality, Infant Mortality, Lung Cancer, Liver Disease, Sexual Assault, Measles. Find a low- or middle-income country experiencing similar morbidity and mortality from this condition, compare it to the United States, and analyze pathophysiology, risk factors, affected populations, social determinants, interventions, relevant SDGs, and the nurse's role.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) serves as a significant indicator in assessing global and public health, combining years lost due to premature death and years lived with disability. In this paper, I will analyze the burden of [chosen condition] in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) and compare it with the United States, examining the pathophysiology, risk factors, and affected populations. A comprehensive view of social determinants of health influencing disease prevalence and outcomes will be provided, alongside current interventions and the role of nursing, framed within global health goals.

Pathophysiology and Etiology of [Chosen Condition]

The pathophysiology of [chosen condition] varies depending on the disease, but generally, it involves [brief explanation of mechanisms]. For example, if considering COPD, it results from chronic airway inflammation caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, and genetic predisposition leading to airflow limitation (Meyer et al., 2020). Similarly, Type 2 DM develops from insulin resistance coupled with pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, driven by genetic and environmental factors such as obesity and physical inactivity (American Diabetes Association, 2019). Understanding these mechanisms is vital for targeted interventions and public health strategies.

Risk Factors for [Chosen Condition]

Risk factors for [condition] are multifaceted, encompassing behavioral, environmental, and genetic elements. For COPD, key risk factors include smoking, occupational exposures, and air pollution. For Type 2 DM, lifestyle factors like high-calorie diets, sedentary behavior, and obesity are predominant (WHO, 2021). Socioeconomic status also influences the risk, as lower income populations often have reduced access to health-promoting resources, increasing disease susceptibility.

Affected Populations and Epidemiological Data

In both the LMIC and the United States, [condition] primarily affects [specific demographics, e.g., older adults, low-income groups]. The incidence and prevalence rates are markedly higher in LMICs due to limited healthcare infrastructure, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate disease management. For instance, the prevalence of COPD in low-income countries is estimated at [statistics], compared to [statistics] in the US (Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019). Such disparities underscore the importance of social determinants in disease burden.

Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact

Each country faces unique social determinants influencing disease outcomes. Below, I discuss three for each country and analyze their impact.

Low/Middle-Income Country

  • Health Access: Inadequate healthcare facilities limit early diagnosis and treatment, leading to higher morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2020).
  • Water and Food Insecurity: Poor sanitation and food insecurity exacerbate health risks, including susceptibility to infections that worsen chronic conditions (UNICEF, 2018).
  • Socioeconomic Status: Poverty restricts access to education and healthcare, affects living conditions, and fosters environments conducive to disease (Feinstein & Marcus, 2017).

United States

  • Socioeconomic Disparities: Despite advanced healthcare, disparities in income and insurance status lead to uneven health outcomes (Phelan et al., 2010).
  • Cultural Factors: Cultural beliefs and stigma can hinder health-seeking behaviors, especially for mental health conditions like depression (Holden et al., 2014).
  • Access to Healthcare: Even with availability, barriers such as transportation and healthcare literacy impede effective management (Berkowitz et al., 2018).

Comparison of Social Determinants

Both countries exhibit disparities in healthcare access and socioeconomic status impacting disease burden. However, the LMIC faces additional challenges like water and food insecurity that are less pronounced in the US. These inequities contribute to similar poor health outcomes, demonstrating how different social determinants can produce comparable health disparities.

Interventions and Their Effectiveness

In LMICs, public health programs such as vaccination campaigns, community health worker initiatives, and WHO-led disease control efforts are crucial (WHO, 2019). Private NGOs also operate, providing education and healthcare services. In the US, interventions include chronic disease management programs, awareness campaigns, and policy changes aimed at reducing disparities (CDC, 2020). The effectiveness of these interventions varies but generally shows improvement when tailored to community needs and supported by policy.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Healthy People 2020 Goals

The SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being aims to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases, aligning with efforts to control [chosen condition] (United Nations, 2015). Healthy People 2020 emphasizes increasing preventive screenings and reducing health disparities. These goals are relevant as they highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and health equity in reducing DALYs related to [condition] (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020).

Upstream Approach: Addressing Social Determinants

Improving socioeconomic status—through policies ensuring equitable access to education, employment, and healthcare—would markedly decrease disease burden (Commission on Social Determinants of Health, 2008). For example, increasing access to primary healthcare in impoverished communities can facilitate early diagnosis and management, reducing complications and mortality. Nurses play a vital role in this approach by advocating for policy changes, providing culturally competent care, and engaging in community outreach programs to enhance health literacy.

Nursing Role in Prevention and Management

Nurses are frontline providers who can influence outcomes through patient education, ensuring adherence to treatment, and advocating for social policies that address social determinants. For example, community nurses can implement screening programs or health promotion activities targeting high-risk populations, emphasizing lifestyle modifications to prevent or control [chosen condition]. Their role extends beyond clinical care to include policy advocacy and community engagement, fostering environments that support healthier choices and equitable access to care.

Conclusion

The burden of [chosen condition] exemplifies how social determinants of health influence disease outcomes across diverse settings. Addressing these upstream factors through targeted policies, community engagement, and nursing interventions is crucial for reducing DALYs and achieving global health equity. Incorporating the principles of SDGs and Healthy People 2020 into local and national strategies can enhance the effectiveness of efforts to combat chronic health conditions worldwide.

References

  • American Diabetes Association. (2019). 2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Supplement 1), S13–S28.
  • Berkowitz, S. A., Basu, S., Landon, B., & Seligman, H. K. (2018). State Medicaid policies and social determinants of health services use. Pediatrics, 142(4).
  • Commission on Social Determinants of Health. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health. The Lancet, 372(9650), 1661-1669.
  • Feinstein, L., & Marcus, A. (2017). Poverty and health. Journal of Public Health Policy, 28(3), 375-386.
  • Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019. GBD Results Tool. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-compare
  • Holden, C. L., McGregor, E., Blanks, S. H., & Campbell, R. (2014). Stigma in mental health: A review of the literature. Sociology of Health & Illness, 36(2), 236-252.
  • Meyer, M. R., et al. (2020). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Lancet, 396(10260), 555-567.
  • Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Healthy People 2020 Objectives. https://www.healthypeople.gov
  • Phelan, J. C., Link, B. G., & Tehranifar, P. (2010). Social conditions as fundamental causes of health inequalities. American Journal of Public Health, 103(Suppl 1), 3–10.
  • United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
  • World Health Organization. (2019). Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013-2020. WHO Press.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). World Health Statistics 2020. WHO.