If You Talk About A Possible Poor Health Outcome Do You Beli

If You Talk About A Possible Poor Health Outcome Do You Believe That

If you talk about a possible poor health outcome, do you believe that outcome will occur? Do you believe eye contact and personal contact should be avoided? You would have a difficult time practicing as a nurse if you believed these to be true. But they are very real beliefs in some cultures. Differences in cultural beliefs, subcultures, religion, ethnic customs, dietary customs, language, and a host of other factors contribute to the complex environment that surrounds global healthcare issues.

Failure to understand and account for these differences can create a gulf between practitioners and the public they serve. In this assignment, you will examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country. To prepare, review the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and select one global health issue to focus on for this assignment. Select at least one additional country to compare to the U.S. for this assignment. Reflect on how the global health issue you selected is approached in the U.S. and in the additional country you selected.

Review and download the Global Health Comparison Matrix provided in the resources. The assignment involves completing a 1- to 2-page global health comparison matrix focusing on both countries, and a 1-page plan for social change.

Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix

Complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix by addressing the following: Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue you selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to those in the additional country. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each policy.

Explain how social determinants of health may impact the global health issue, providing specific examples. Analyze how each country’s government addresses cost, quality, and access regarding the selected health issue, based on WHO’s agenda and your research. Describe how each policy might impact the health of the global population with specific examples.

Discuss how these health policies could influence the role of nurses in each country. Explain how global health issues affect local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries, with specific examples.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Reflect on your comparison and analysis and the impact of global health issues on the world, the U.S., your community, and your practice as a nurse leader. Develop a one-page plan for social change that integrates a global perspective into your local nursing practice and leadership role.

Describe how you would advocate for incorporating a global perspective into your practice and leadership. Discuss how this integration might influence your practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how adopting a global perspective contributes to social change, with specific examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The global health landscape is intricately shaped by cultural, social, economic, and political factors that influence health outcomes across different nations. In particular, understanding and addressing health disparities resulting from social determinants is vital for effective global health interventions. This paper explores a selected global health issue—HIV/AIDS—and compares how the United States and Brazil approach this challenge, considering policies, social determinants, and their implications for nursing practice and social change.

Introduction to Global Health Issue: HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health concern, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO’s agenda emphasizes universal health coverage, equitable access to treatments, and the reduction of health disparities related to infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS. Different countries develop policies that reflect their social, cultural, and economic contexts, which influence the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions. This analysis compares the U.S. approach, characterized by advanced healthcare infrastructure and targeted programs, with Brazil's strategies, rooted in its Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS).

Comparison of Policies and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

The United States’ approach to HIV/AIDS involves aggressive public health campaigns, widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and comprehensive prevention strategies. Policies such as the Ryan White CARE Act and the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative exemplify a focus on individual protection and treatment. Strengths include technological advancements, a robust healthcare system, and significant funding. However, weaknesses involve disparities in access among marginalized populations, high costs, and structural barriers to care for uninsured or underinsured individuals (CDC, 2021).

Conversely, Brazil’s policy emphasizes universal access to prevention and treatment through SUS, prioritizing community-based programs and harm reduction strategies. Its strengths lie in its commitment to equitable healthcare, decentralization, and successful public health campaigns like the widespread distribution of free ART. Nonetheless, weaknesses include bureaucratic inefficiencies, resource limitations, and regional disparities in service delivery, which can reduce overall effectiveness (Brasil Ministry of Health, 2020).

Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact

Social determinants such as income, education, social stigma, and healthcare access significantly impact HIV/AIDS outcomes. In the U.S., marginalized groups such as African Americans and LGBTQ+ populations face higher infection rates, often compounded by social stigma and limited access to care (CDC, 2021). In Brazil, socioeconomic inequalities and racial disparities influence infection rates, with impoverished regions experiencing higher prevalence due to limited healthcare infrastructure and social exclusion (Brazil Ministry of Health, 2020).

For both countries, addressing these social determinants is critical for reducing disparities. Effective policies that include not only medical treatment but also education, housing stability, and anti-discrimination measures tend to improve health outcomes profoundly.

Cost, Quality, and Access in Policy Responses

The U.S. emphasizes high-quality care with investment in technology and specialized services, though affordability remains a challenge. Cost barriers often hinder access for uninsured populations. Brazil’s universal healthcare system aims to improve access and reduce financial barriers but struggles with resource constraints limiting quality and availability in rural and underserved areas.

Both countries’ policies influence population health; in the U.S., targeted interventions can reduce disparities but may neglect underserved communities. In Brazil, universal coverage enhances broader access but may suffer from implementation gaps affecting care quality.

Impact on Nursing Roles and Local Healthcare Organizations

In the U.S., nurses play a vital role in delivering preventive care, managing ART adherence, and addressing health disparities. Policies promote advanced training and specialization, although nurses often face systemic barriers such as scope-of-practice restrictions. In Brazil, nurses are central to community health initiatives, including home visits and health promotion, aligning with the country’s emphasis on primary healthcare. Challenges include resource limitations and workload pressures, which influence nursing practice and patient outcomes (WHO, 2021).

Global health issues shape local healthcare policies by emphasizing the need for culturally competent care, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement. Both countries’ strategies demonstrate how nursing must adapt to address social determinants and promote equitable health outcomes.

Plan for Social Change Integrating a Global Perspective

Building upon the comparative analysis, as a nurse leader, I will advocate for integrating a global health perspective into local practice by emphasizing culturally competent care, health equity, and community-based interventions. This includes engaging with international organizations, adopting best practices from different contexts, and promoting policies that address social determinants of health.

Implementing global health principles can improve patient education, reduce disparities, and enhance cultural sensitivity within local healthcare settings. For instance, incorporating global HIV/AIDS strategies, such as harm reduction and stigma reduction, can improve care delivery and patient outcomes. Such a perspective also promotes social justice and health equity, contributing to broader social change by fostering community empowerment and policy advocacy.

This approach aligns with the role of nurse leaders as catalysts for systemic change, promoting sustainable health interventions that transcend borders and address root causes of health inequities.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). HIV Surveillance Report, 2021. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Brazil Ministry of Health. (2020). AIDS Epidemiological Bulletin 2020. Brazilian Ministry of Health.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Global strategy on human resources for health: Workforce 2030. WHO.
• Schneider, H., & Schecke, H. (2019). Universal health coverage in Brazil: Historical perspectives and current challenges. Health Policy and Planning, 34(6), 403-411.
• Sullivan, S. G., et al. (2018). Addressing social determinants of health: Innovative strategies for nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(1-2), e234-e245.
• Global Fund. (2022). HIV/AIDS Country Profiles: Brazil and the United States. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
• Vargas, M., et al. (2019). Decentralization and primary healthcare in Brazil: Achievements and challenges. Revista de Saúde Pública, 53, 44.
• Young, S., et al. (2020). Social determinants and health disparities in HIV/AIDS. Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 17(3), 194-202.
• WHO Regional Office for the Americas. (2022). Progress towards universal health coverage in the Americas. PAHO/WHO.
• Silva, M. V., et al. (2021). The role of community health workers in Brazil’s HIV/AIDS response. BMC Public Health, 21, 1025.