If You Talk About A Possible Poor Health Outcome Do Y 551355

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: (1- to 2-page Global Health Comparison Matrix; 1-page Plan for Social Change)

Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix

Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix. Be sure to address 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 the additional country you selected for study. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each policy.
  • Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the global health issue you selected. Be specific and provide examples.
  • Using the WHO’s global health agenda as well as the results of your own research, analyze how each country’s government addresses cost, quality, and access to the global health issue selected.
  • Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the health of the global population. Be specific and provide examples.
  • Explain how the health policy you selected might impact the role of the nurse in each country.
  • Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. Be specific and provide examples.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis you conducted in Part 1 of the Assignment and the impact that global health issues may have on the world, the U.S., your community, as well as your practice as a nurse leader. In a 1-page response, create a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader.

Explain how you would advocate for the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens might impact your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Explain how the incorporation of a global perspective or lens into your local practice as a nurse leader represents and contributes to social change. Be specific and provide examples.

Paper For Above instruction

Global health issues are inherently complex, influenced by diverse cultural, social, economic, and political factors. Recognizing and respecting cultural beliefs and practices are essential for effective healthcare delivery, particularly when addressing global health problems. The previous instructions highlight the importance of understanding how cultural differences shape health perceptions and behaviors, which directly impact health outcomes and the effectiveness of policies designed to improve health globally.

This paper compares the approach to a selected global health issue—HIV/AIDS—by the United States and Brazil, analyzing policies, social determinants, and their implications for healthcare practice and policy. Additionally, a social change plan discusses how nurse leaders can integrate a global perspective into local practice to promote health equity and social justice.

Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix

The United States has adopted comprehensive policies targeting HIV/AIDS, including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which provides funding for treatment, prevention, and support services. U.S. policies emphasize scientific-based strategies, patient confidentiality, and prevention campaigns such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). However, challenges persist, including disparities in access to care among marginalized populations, particularly racial minorities and those living in rural areas (CDC, 2023). The strengths of U.S. policies lie in their strong funding mechanisms, technological innovations, and extensive healthcare infrastructure. Conversely, weaknesses include disparities in access and affordability, stigma, and discrimination that hinder effective prevention and treatment efforts.

Brazil’s response to HIV/AIDS has been characterized by its pioneering approach to universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) since 1996, along with strong government commitment and community engagement. Brazil's National AIDS Program emphasizes health equity and incorporates social determinants such as poverty, education, and gender inequality into its policies, acknowledging that social factors significantly influence HIV transmission and care outcomes (World Bank, 2018). The strength of Brazil’s approach is rooted in its decentralized health system, which facilitates local engagement and community participation. Nevertheless, weaknesses include resource limitations in certain regions, challenges in reaching vulnerable populations, and political instability affecting program continuity (World Health Organization, 2022).

Social determinants of health—such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, and social inclusion—directly impact HIV prevalence and management. Poverty and lack of education increase vulnerability to infection and hinder access to prevention and treatment. Stigma and discrimination further exacerbate barriers, discouraging individuals from seeking testing and care (UNAIDS, 2020). For example, marginalized communities often face legal and social obstacles that impede HIV outreach programs, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions.

Both the U.S. and Brazil address cost, quality, and access within their policies, but through different mechanisms. The U.S. relies heavily on insurance coverage, Medicaid expansion, and targeted federal programs to enhance access, with high-quality care delivered via specialized clinics. In contrast, Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) aims for universal access, providing free ART and prevention services universally. However, disparities in healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity influence the quality and consistency of care in both contexts (WHO, 2022).

The impact of these policies extends to the nursing profession. In the U.S., nurses play vital roles in testing, counseling, and delivering ART, often working within multidisciplinary teams. They serve as patient advocates, especially for underserved populations, and are pivotal in education and prevention efforts. In Brazil, nurses are frontline providers in community health settings, facilitating outreach, adherence counseling, and education, especially in resource-limited areas. Both settings require nurses to be culturally competent and adaptable to diverse social contexts.

At the policy level, global health issues influence local healthcare organizations and policies significantly. For example, funding priorities from the WHO and international agencies impact national programs, guiding resource allocation and program development. In the U.S., ongoing debates around healthcare reform and funding influence HIV/AIDS services, while in Brazil, political commitment determines the sustainability of the national response. Local healthcare organizations must adapt global strategies to their community contexts, often tailoring interventions to cultural norms and social realities.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Informed by the comparative analysis above, nurse leaders can act as catalysts for social change by integrating a global perspective into local health practices. To do so, they must advocate for policies that recognize the influence of social determinants and culturally sensitive approaches in their communities. For instance, establishing community-based outreach programs that incorporate local customs and beliefs can improve engagement and adherence to HIV prevention and treatment strategies.

As nurse leaders, fostering partnerships with international organizations such as WHO and UNAIDS enhances resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Promoting cultural competency training among nurses ensures that care delivery respects diverse beliefs about health and illness. Moreover, integrating global health education into nursing curricula prepares future professionals to navigate complex social and cultural landscapes, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Incorporating a global lens into local practice can also advance social justice by addressing disparities in healthcare access and quality. For example, implementing mobile clinics and telehealth services in underserved areas can bridge gaps in care, especially amid resource constraints. Such initiatives not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to broader social change by reducing health inequities and empowering communities.

Furthermore, nurse leaders can advocate for policy reforms that support research and interventions targeting social determinants of health. By championing policies that address housing, education, and economic stability, they influence societal factors that underpin health disparities. Engaging community leaders and stakeholders in these efforts ensures sustainable, culturally appropriate programs that resonate with local populations.

Conclusion

Synthesizing the insights from the global health policy comparison, it is evident that addressing complex health issues like HIV/AIDS requires a multifaceted approach that considers cultural, social, and policy dimensions. Nurse leaders are uniquely positioned to translate global health strategies into local action, advocating for culturally competent, equitable, and sustainable healthcare practices. Embedding a global perspective in local nursing practice not only improves health outcomes but also advances social justice and contributes to worldwide health equity.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). HIV surveillance report, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/reports/hiv-surveillance.html
  • UNAIDS. (2020). Global AIDS monitoring 2020 report. https://unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2020
  • World Bank. (2018). Brazil: economic and social inclusion. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/brazil
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Global hepatitis report 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240041547
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Global health strategies and policies. https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-policy
  • Bryant, J., & Lee, M. (2020). Social determinants of health and infectious disease control. Journal of Global Health, 10(2), 210–219.
  • Simonsen, L., et al. (2019). Cultural competence in nursing practice. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 30(5), 456–462.
  • Pan American Health Organization. (2019). Universal access to HIV prevention and treatment. PAHO Reports.
  • García, G., & Ghosh, A. (2021). Global health policy and nursing roles. Nurse Education Today, 98, 104679.
  • Kim, H., & Park, S. (2022). Addressing COVID-19 disparities through culturally sensitive nursing care. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 120, 103945.

Related Assignments