Identify A Population To Study 269196
Identify A Population To Study
Identify a Population to Studywrite An essay in a 1- to 2-page Microsoft Word document defining a population that you would like to study during this course. Present the criteria for the inclusion and exclusion and some general information about your chosen population. Include demographics, socioeconomics, health risk factors, and environmental hazards. Cite any sources in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
The population I have chosen to study for this course is urban adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 who reside in low-income communities within large metropolitan areas. This demographic is particularly significant due to the unique health risks and environmental challenges they face, which can influence their overall well-being and development. Understanding this group's attributes and risk factors is crucial for designing targeted health interventions and policies aimed at reducing disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Inclusion Criteria: The study will include adolescents aged 13-19 residing in designated low-income urban neighborhoods, defined by socioeconomic indicators such as median household income below the federal poverty line, participation in free or reduced-price school meal programs, and residence within specific zip codes identified as economically disadvantaged. Participants must reside in these areas for at least one year to ensure exposure to environmental factors typical of low-income urban settings.
Exclusion Criteria: Excluded from the study are adolescents with chronic medical conditions requiring ongoing specialist care outside the community, those who have recently migrated to the area (less than one year), and individuals not enrolled in local schools or community programs. This helps ensure the population reflects the typical environmental and socioeconomic circumstances relevant to the study focus.
General Attributes: The demographic profile of this population typically includes a diverse racial and ethnic composition, with significant proportions of African American, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents, reflecting the multicultural fabric of urban areas (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Socioeconomic challenges are prevalent, with many families facing unemployment, underemployment, or low-paying jobs, contributing to household instability. Educational attainment levels are often lower in these communities, correlating with health and social disparities.
Health Risk Factors: Adolescents in low-income urban areas are at increased risk for obesity, substance abuse, mental health issues, and exposure to violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Poor nutrition due to limited access to healthy foods, lack of safe recreational spaces, and chronic stress from socioeconomic hardship further compound these risks.
Environmental Hazards: Environmental challenges in these neighborhoods include exposure to air pollution, lead contamination from aging infrastructure, and poor housing conditions. These hazards can contribute to respiratory problems, developmental delays, and overall poor health outcomes (American Lung Association, 2022). Proximity to industrial zones and busy roadways exacerbates these risks.
In summary, studying urban adolescents from low-income backgrounds offers valuable insights into the social determinants of health affecting vulnerable youth populations. Addressing the specific health risks and environmental hazards faced by this group can inform more effective public health strategies and community interventions aimed at improving health equity.
References
- American Lung Association. (2022). State of the air 2022. https://www.lung.org/research/sotc
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Adolescent health surveillance. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Demographic and housing estimates. https://www.census.gov/data.html