Health Promotion Tabler: The Risk Factors Of Each Self

Health Promotions Tableresearch The Risk Factors Of Each Selected Pati

Research the risk factors of each selected patient population for diseases, the social determinants of health that affect this population, and functional and dysfunctional health patterns. Patient Population Social Determinants of Health Barriers Preventative Health Care Required Health Promotion Education Adolescent Adult Geriatric

Paper For Above instruction

The case study of Josh and his transformation from a bright, disciplined student to a notorious gang member and international threat exemplifies the complex interplay of social determinants of health, risk factors, and health patterns across different patient populations. Analyzing this scenario through a health promotion lens provides insight into the multifaceted factors that influence health outcomes and informs targeted intervention strategies tailored to specific age groups.

Introduction

Health promotion involves understanding and addressing the social and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes. The case of Josh highlights the importance of early detection, prevention, and tailored health education in shaping healthy behaviors. Different age groups—adolescents, adults, and the elderly—face unique challenges and risk factors that require specific health promotion strategies. This paper explores the social determinants of health, barriers, preventative health care, and health education pertinent to these populations, with particular emphasis on the risks associated with Josh’s journey and potential interventions.

Adolescent Population

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors due to factors such as peer influence, identity exploration, and limited decision-making maturity (WHO, 2015). Social determinants impacting adolescents include family stability, peer relationships, socioeconomic status, and community safety. In Josh’s case, peer influence and exposure to illicit lifestyles significantly contributed to his behavioral shift. Barriers to preventative health care for adolescents often involve lack of access, confidentiality concerns, and limited health literacy (Biro et al., 2019). Preventative health efforts must focus on comprehensive sexuality education, substance abuse prevention, mental health support, and building resilience to peer pressure (CDC, 2020). Tailored health promotion education should empower adolescents to make informed choices, recognize early warning signs of risky behavior, and seek help when needed.

Adult Population

Adults face workplace-related stress, lifestyle choices, and social responsibilities influencing their health behaviors. The social determinants impacting adults include employment status, education level, socioeconomic factors, and social support networks. In Josh’s trajectory, his transition from academic excellence to criminal activities underscores the importance of ongoing mental health assessment and societal support systems to prevent social decline (Marmot et al., 2010). Barriers to preventative health care for adults often include time constraints, financial limitations, and stigma associated with seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment (Anderson et al., 2013). Health promotion for adults should prioritize screenings for mental health and substance abuse, promoting stress management programs, and community engagement initiatives that foster social inclusivity and economic stability (WHO, 2014).

Geriatric Population

The elderly population encounters chronic illnesses, functional decline, and social isolation, which are heavily influenced by social determinants such as living conditions, social support, and access to healthcare services. Although Josh’s story does not directly involve geriatrics, his case underscores the importance of early intervention to prevent long-term health deterioration. Geriatric health promotion focuses on maintaining functional independence, preventing falls, managing comorbidities, and ensuring social engagement (WHO, 2015). Barriers include limited mobility, cognitive decline, and socioeconomic factors that restrict access to resources (Chan et al., 2017). Preventative health education for older adults emphasizes physical activity, nutrition, medication management, and social connectivity to enhance quality of life (CDC, 2019).

Social Determinants of Health and Risk Factors

Social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, employment, social support, and community safety profoundly influence health behaviors and outcomes. Josh's environment in university, exposure to peer drugs, and subsequent criminal behaviors highlight how social determinants can either serve as protective factors or risk accelerators (Solar & Irwin, 2010). Risk factors in his case include substance abuse, criminal activity, and lifestyle choices that predispose him to physical and mental health issues such as addiction, injuries, and mental health disorders (WHO, 2014). Addressing these determinants through community-based interventions, policy changes, and health education is crucial for health promotion and disease prevention.

Barriers to Preventative Health Care

Barriers include financial constraints, stigma, lack of awareness, and systemic issues within healthcare systems. Josh’s story illustrates how social marginalization and risky lifestyles may limit access to healthcare, resulting in untreated mental health issues, substance dependency, and engagement in criminal activities. Overcoming these barriers involves policy reforms to improve healthcare accessibility, culturally sensitive education programs, and community outreach to vulnerable populations (Anderson et al., 2013).

Required Health Promotion Education

Effective health promotion education must be tailored to the specific needs of each population. For adolescents like Josh, programs should focus on drug prevention, mental health awareness, and positive peer influence (CDC, 2020). For adults, education around lifestyle modification, mental health, and social determinants is critical. Older adults benefit from information on chronic disease management, fall prevention, and social engagement opportunities (WHO, 2015). Incorporating community participation, digital health tools, and culturally appropriate messaging enhances effectiveness and reach of education initiatives.

Conclusion

Josh’s situation exemplifies how social determinants and risk factors intertwine to shape health outcomes across the lifespan. Tailored health promotion strategies addressing barriers, social influences, and education can mitigate risks and foster healthier behaviors. Recognizing the unique needs of adolescents, adults, and geriatrics allows health professionals to design effective interventions that promote resilience, prevent disease, and improve quality of life. Preventative health initiatives should be holistic, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to address the complex realities faced by diverse populations and ultimately contribute to healthier communities worldwide.

References

  • Anderson, L. M., Quinn, T., Glanz, K., Ramirez, G., Khoury, C., & Yakti, M. (2013). The effectiveness of community health workers in the United States: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 45(5), 648–665.
  • Biro, F. M., Taveras, E. M., & Gillman, M. W. (2019). Adolescent health: Priority issues. Pediatrics, 143(2), e20183256.
  • Chan, S., Baumgartner, J. C., & White, N. T. (2017). Social factors influencing health in the elderly. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 17(10), 1473–1479.
  • Marmot, M., Friel, S., Bell, R., Houweling, T. A., & Taylor, S. (2010). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. The Lancet, 372(9650), 1661–1669.
  • Solar, O., & Irwin, A. (2010). A conceptual framework for action on the social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Discussion Paper 2 (Policy and Practice). WHO.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Social determinants of health. Geneva: WHO.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). Ageing and health. Geneva: WHO.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Healthy aging: Promoting well-being for older adults. CDC Healthy Aging Program.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Youth risk behavior survey. CDC Reports.
  • Brown, D. S., & Smith, J. A. (2018). Preventive health care in adults: Strategies and barriers. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 9, 2150132718793562.

Related Assignments