Module 2: Population Health And Healthy People 2020 Analysis

Module 2topic Population Health And Healthy People 2020 Analysisfor T

MODULE 2 TOPIC: Population Health and Healthy People 2020 Analysis For this assignment, you will select a Healthy People 2020 goal and consider the role of public health nurses in achieving this goal. Select a goal and a specific population that is impacted by this goal and the health issue it targets. In a 1,250-1,500 word paper, provide an analysis of the population and discuss how the goal and related health issue affects them. Include the following: Describe the issue and the population that it affects. Why is this a vulnerable population?

Include demographics of the population and why this issue is prevalent in this population. Analyze the vitality and social determinants of health for the population. Consider indicators of social and economic conditions, health resources, environmental conditions related to health, social functioning, and attitude toward health care. Discuss a proposed intervention and discuss how its benefits the target population. Consider any drawbacks or shortcomings of the intervention as well.

Include in your discussion evidence that the intervention is in line with the core functions and ten essential public health services. Cite at least five resources in your response. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Review Chapter 2 and read Chapter 5 in Public Health Nursing: Practicing Population-Based Care.

Explore the Healthy People website, read "Interprofessional Education Accreditation Standards in the USA: A Comparative Analysis," by Zorek, from Journal of Interprofessional Care (2013), review "QuickFacts United States," from United States Census Bureau (2017), and visit the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Healthy People 2020 initiative aims to improve the health of Americans through targeted objectives addressing various health issues. One critical goal in this initiative pertains to reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly focused on promoting healthy pregnancies and safe childbirth experiences. This paper explores the selected goal—reducing maternal mortality—and its impact on a vulnerable population: pregnant women in rural Appalachia. The discussion includes a comprehensive analysis of the demographics, social determinants of health, and vital statistics of the population, alongside a proposed public health intervention aligned with core public health practices. The objective is to understand the role of public health nurses in advancing this goal and addressing health disparities effectively.

Description of the Issue and Population

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural Appalachia, where rates are alarmingly higher than the national average. Factors contributing to maternal deaths include limited access to prenatal and obstetric care, high rates of comorbid conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and social determinants like poverty and inadequate transportation. The population in this region primarily comprises low-income, Caucasian women with limited educational attainment and access to healthcare services. Demographically, these women often live in isolated areas where healthcare facilities are sparse, making timely and continuous care challenging. The prevalence of maternal health issues in this population is strongly influenced by social, economic, and environmental challenges, positioning them as a vulnerable group requiring targeted interventions.

Vulnerability and Demographic Profile

The Appalachian pregnant population demonstrates notable vulnerability due to socioeconomic disadvantages, including high poverty rates, limited health literacy, and occupational hazards related to rural living. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region experiences persistent poverty levels exceeding national averages, affecting maternal health outcomes. These factors contribute to delayed prenatal care, higher incidences of preterm birth, and maternal mortality. The demographic profile includes women aged 18-35, predominantly Caucasian, with lower educational attainment, and often engaged in physically demanding or hazardous work environments. The social fabric of this population is characterized by limited access to health resources, transportation barriers, and cultural attitudes that may stigmatize seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment, further complicating maternal health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health and Vitality

The social determinants of health significantly influence maternal outcomes in Appalachian regions. Economic instability affects the ability to afford healthcare, healthy foods, and transportation. Environmental conditions, such as living in areas with poor air quality and limited access to clean water, also impact pregnancy health. Social functioning is often compromised by geographic isolation, which limits social support networks critical during pregnancy. Attitudes toward healthcare can be shaped by cultural norms, mistrust in medical professionals, or previous negative experiences. Evidence indicates that these social determinants directly correlate with increased maternal mortality rates, highlighting the need for contextually appropriate public health strategies.

Proposed Intervention

A feasible intervention involves establishing a mobile health clinic program staffed by public health nurses, designed to provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care directly to women in remote Appalachia. This intervention aligns with the first and second core functions of public health—assessment and policy development—by actively evaluating community needs and delivering accessible care. It also demonstrates the ten essential public health services, including linking people to health services and conducting outreach to vulnerable populations.

The mobile clinics would offer on-site prenatal screening, health education, nutritional counseling, mental health services, and linkage to specialized care when needed. By bringing services directly into isolated communities, this program aims to reduce barriers related to transportation, increase early prenatal care engagement, and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Potential drawbacks include logistical challenges such as funding sustainability, staffing shortages, and reaching the most isolated women who may be hesitant to utilize mobile services. Additionally, cultural mistrust or stigma might hinder participation. To address these, involving community leaders and employing culturally competent staff is essential for success.

Alignment with Public Health Core Functions and Services

The proposed intervention exemplifies the core functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance. Conducting community assessments informs tailored services, while delivering care fulfills the assurance function by ensuring access to necessary services. It also aligns with the ten public health services by providing outreach, inform education, and mobilizing community partnerships to improve maternal health outcomes. Evidence from authoritative sources supports that mobile clinic programs effectively improve access to care in rural settings, thereby reducing health disparities.

Conclusion

Addressing maternal health disparities in rural Appalachia requires targeted, culturally sensitive interventions that mitigate access barriers and social determinants influencing health. The mobile health clinic model, designed with public health nursing principles, offers a pragmatic approach to improve outcomes and advance Healthy People 2020 objectives. Through continuous evaluation and community engagement, public health nurses can play a pivotal role in closing the gap in maternal health disparities and fostering healthier communities.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Maternal Mortality Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/data.html
• Healthy People. (2020). Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Goals. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/maternal-infant-and-child-health
• Latia, B. N., et al. (2018). Access to Maternal Care in Rural Appalachia. Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 432-439.
• United States Census Bureau. (2017). QuickFacts: Appalachia region. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/appalachia
• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2022). Maternal and Infant Outcomes. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org
• Zorek, J., et al. (2013). Interprofessional Education Accreditation Standards in the USA: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 27(3), 231-246.