Identify A Population To Assess And Develop An Evidence Base

Identify A Population To Assess And Develop An Evidence Based Primary

Identify a population to assess and develop an evidence-based, primary care health promotion recommendations to deliver in their own communities (e.g., Hispanics - Diabetes, African Americans - Prostate Cancer, etc.).

Paper For Above instruction

In designing effective health promotion strategies, it is essential to select a specific population that faces unique health challenges and can benefit from tailored interventions. For this purpose, the African American community is a vital focus due to its disproportionate burden of prostate cancer, which necessitates culturally sensitive, evidence-based primary care initiatives aimed at early detection, prevention, and health education.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men globally, with African American men experiencing higher incidence and mortality rates compared to other racial groups (DeSantis et al., 2019). According to the American Cancer Society (2021), African American men are approximately 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease than their White counterparts. These disparities are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, socioeconomic, cultural, and healthcare access factors. Consequently, addressing prostate cancer within this community requires a comprehensive, culturally appropriate, evidence-based approach rooted in primary care.

Existing research underscores the importance of community-based health promotion programs that incorporate early screening, education, and lifestyle modifications. For instance, early detection through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates (Potosky et al., 2018). Yet, barriers such as mistrust in the healthcare system, lack of awareness, and cultural stigmas often hinder screening participation among African American men (Gilbert et al., 2016). Therefore, a tailored health promotion campaign must prioritize culturally sensitive communication, community engagement, and accessible screening services.

Evidence-based primary care strategies to promote prostate health in this population include educational outreach that emphasizes the importance of regular screening and dispels myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer. Incorporation of community health workers, also known as promotores de salud, who share cultural and linguistic backgrounds with the community, has been shown to enhance trust and participation (Williams et al., 2018). Motivational interviewing techniques employed by primary care providers can effectively motivate men to undergo screening and adopt healthier behaviors (Cohen et al., 2019).

Furthermore, integrating lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to overall prostate health and reduce risk factors (Cook et al., 2020). Primary care clinics should develop protocols that incorporate risk assessments, personalized counseling, and follow-up to reinforce these health behaviors. Telehealth services can serve as an additional tool to reach men in rural or underserved areas, ensuring consistent messaging and support.

In conclusion, focusing on African American men for prostate cancer prevention and health promotion in primary care involves implementing culturally tailored, evidence-based interventions that combine education, screening, and lifestyle counseling. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, community leaders, and public health agencies are necessary to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in this high-risk population.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2021). Key statistics for prostate cancer. https://www.cancer.org
• Cohen, J., Jenkins, M., & Williams, R. (2019). Motivational interviewing in prostate cancer screening: A review of current practices. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 10, 215013271987729.
• Cook, M. B., Jansen, L., Jessup, J. M., et al. (2020). Lifestyle factors and risk of prostate cancer: A systematic review. Cancer Epidemiology, 63, 101672.
• DeSantis, C. E., Ma, J., & Siegel, R. L., et al. (2019). Cancer statistics for African Americans, 2019. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 69(3), 211-233.
• Gilbert, S. M., Holmes, M. D., & Lannin, D. R. (2016). Barriers to prostate cancer screening among high-risk African American men. Journal of Community Health, 41(1), 43-50.
• Potosky, A. L., Gilligan, T., & Penson, D. (2018). Prostate cancer screening practices among African American men: A review. Urologic Oncology, 36(7), 331-339.
• Williams, R., Gilbert, S., & Johnson, S. (2018). Using community health workers to promote prostate cancer screening in African American communities. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 35(2), 90-102.