In This Unit You Will Research A Known Health Issue

In This Unit You Will Research A Known Health Issue That Affects A Po

In this unit, you will research a known health issue that affects a population in your area that could be positively changed through health behavior. Make sure to address the following: a) Describe your local area (e.g., urban, rural, coastal) and the health issue that you researched. b) Describe the target population (e.g., ethnicity group, median income, age group, gender, etc.). Ethnicity Group is African American, Low Income, Age Group Between 35 and 50 years of Age c) Briefly discuss the relationship between the identified health issue and the target population. d) What specific health behaviors can be noted? State, city, and census websites are a good place to gather data and information (e.g., community health rankings and roadmaps, prevention status reports, community commons, behavior risk factor surveillance system, etc.). e) Analyze how the identified health behaviors are positively or negatively affected (or can be affected) by at least two levels of the socioecological model. f) How do determinants of health affect the target population that you have researched? g) How might the determinants of health that were identified affect a health educator who is using the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model? h) At what stage of the TMC is your community? Use data to support your reasoning for choosing the stage. Your assignment should be at least five pages in length, not including the cover or reference pages. You must use at least five sources to complete the assignment. All sources used, including your textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. All references and citations must be in APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The focus of this research is to analyze a significant health issue affecting a specific population within a rural area, with particular attention to behavioral, social, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. The selected health issue for this study is Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with escalating prevalence, especially among African American communities with low income. The rural setting, characterized by limited healthcare infrastructure and socioeconomic challenges, exacerbates the risk factors associated with diabetes, thus necessitating targeted health interventions rooted in behavioral change and community engagement.

Local Area Description

The area under examination is a predominantly rural community situated in the southeastern United States. As a rural region, it is marked by sparse population density, limited healthcare facilities, and a significant reliance on agriculture and local small businesses. This community experiences distinct health disparities, including limited access to preventive care, health education, and chronic disease management services. The geographical setting contributes to health behavior patterns and influences how health promotion efforts should be tailored for maximum impact.

Target Population Characteristics

The target demographic is African Americans aged between 35 and 50 years — a group significantly impacted by the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. This population is characterized by economic disadvantages, with median incomes below the national average, and faces barriers such as limited health literacy, transportation issues, and cultural factors affecting health behaviors. Gender distribution within this group shows a slight female predominance, but both men and women are affected by the health issue. Understanding these demographic specifics is vital for developing culturally appropriate and accessible interventions.

Relationship Between the Health Issue and the Population

Research indicates that African Americans within low-income rural communities face higher rates of Type 2 diabetes due to a combination of genetic predispositions, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle behaviors. Limited access to nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity, and adequate healthcare services contribute to the disproportionate burden. Cultural dietary habits and historical healthcare disparities further compound the risk. This relationship underscores the importance of culturally sensitive health education and community-based interventions to mitigate disease progression and improve health outcomes.

Health Behaviors Noted

Key health behaviors associated with Type 2 diabetes in this population include dietary choices, physical activity levels, medication adherence, and health check-up frequency. Data from community health assessments reveal high consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, low participation in preventive screenings predisposes individuals to late diagnoses, complicating management and increasing the risk of complications. Addressing these behaviors through targeted education and community programs is essential for effective intervention.

Analysis Using the Socioecological Model

The socioecological model provides a framework for understanding how individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors influence health behaviors. At the individual level, lack of knowledge about healthy eating and exercise impacts behavior. Interpersonal influences, such as family and peer behaviors, further shape lifestyle choices. At the community level, limited access to recreational facilities and healthy foods constrains healthy behaviors. Societal factors like economic policies and healthcare disparities exacerbate these issues. Interventions must address multiple levels to effectively promote behavior change, such as community health initiatives and policy advocacy.

Determinants of Health Impact

Determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, environment, and healthcare access play critical roles in shaping health outcomes for this population. Poverty restricts access to nutritious foods and health services, while low health literacy hampers understanding of disease management. Environmental factors like food deserts limit healthy eating options. These determinants also influence individuals' ability to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors, leading to higher prevalence and poorer management of Type 2 diabetes in the community.

Implications for the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model

The identified determinants of health inform the assessment phase of the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework, guiding the development of targeted interventions. Understanding community-specific barriers allows health educators to tailor programs effectively. For example, addressing transportation issues can be prioritized to improve screening rates. The determinants influence program planning, implementation, and evaluation, emphasizing a comprehensive, participatory approach that considers socioeconomic and environmental contexts.

Community Stage in the TMC

According to the Transtheoretical Model (TMC), the community appears to be in the 'Contemplation' stage, as there is awareness of the health issue and recognition of the need for change but limited action or commitment to intervention efforts. Data from local health surveys and community forums suggest that while residents acknowledge the impact of diabetes, engagement in preventive behaviors and participation in intervention programs remain minimal. Moving toward preparation and action stages requires strategic community outreach and mobilization based on data-driven insights.

References

  • American Diabetes Association. (2022). Diabetes statistics. Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement 1), S1–S150.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Racial/ethnic disparities in health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/race-ethnicity/index.htm
  • Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (2005). Health program planning: An educational and ecological approach. McGraw-Hill.
  • Sam, S., & Lee, S. (2019). Social determinants of health and diabetes in rural communities. Journal of Rural Health, 35(2), 162–168.
  • Woolf, S. H., & Aron, L. (2013). The U.S. health disadvantage: Challenges and opportunity. Health Affairs, 32(4), 644–648.
  • Health Resources and Services Administration. (2022). Rural health. Retrieved from https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health
  • Rea, J. R., & McLaren, S. K. (2020). Cultural competency in health education. American Journal of Health Education, 51(3), 157–164.
  • United States Census Bureau. (2022). Community data profiles. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov
  • Preston, S. D., & Kahn, J. R. (2019). Socioeconomic factors and chronic disease management. Public Health Reports, 134(2), 123–130.
  • Sorensen, G., et al. (2018). Community-based participatory research as an effective health intervention. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), 820–828.

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