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Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider Diversity and Ethical Considerations as they relate to the diverse population in Prescription Drug Overdose. Create a section in your Social Change Portfolio called “Part 4: Diversity and Ethical Considerations.” Conduct a literature review and/or a review of local public health data to identify a specific population affected by the problem in your community, such as LGBT individuals or ethnic minorities. Cite at least two peer-reviewed sources. Determine a particular subgroup within that population—such as males or a specific ethnic minority—that is impacted by prescription drug overdose in a different or more severe way. Describe the unique impact or elevated rates of the problem in this subgroup. Based on your research, briefly propose 2 to 3 mechanisms to enhance the cultural relevance of prevention programs tailored to this population. Include a discussion of core ethical considerations in prevention efforts, such as stakeholder collaboration, informed consent, and confidentiality.

Paper For Above instruction

Prescription drug overdose remains a significant public health concern globally and domestically, posing complex challenges influenced by diverse social, cultural, and ethical factors. Addressing this issue comprehensively necessitates an understanding of how different populations experience and respond to the crisis. This paper explores the intersection of diversity and ethical considerations in prevention strategies, focusing on a specific subgroup within a broader affected population.

Identification of Affected Population and Subgroup

Research indicates that ethnic minorities, particularly Native American communities, are disproportionately affected by prescription drug overdoses in the United States (Hansen et al., 2017). According to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (2018), Native Americans experience higher rates of prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths compared to the national average. Within this population, young adult males are especially vulnerable, often due to factors such as socioeconomic disparities, cultural dislocation, and limited access to healthcare services (Walden Scholars of Change, 2016). These males tend to have increased rates of substance misuse resulting from historical trauma, social marginalization, and greater exposure to environments conducive to drug misuse.

Unique Impacts and Elevated Rates

Studies demonstrate that Native American males in particular face elevated rates of prescription opioid misuse, with some reports indicating that overdose mortality rates are up to 2.5 times higher than those among other ethnic groups (Hansen et al., 2017). This subgroup's experience is characterized by a combination of cultural dissonance, economic hardship, and often poorly coordinated healthcare outreach. The stigma associated with substance use within Native communities further complicates prevention and treatment efforts, making it challenging for affected individuals to seek help without fear of cultural backlash or marginalization.

Culturally Relevant Prevention Mechanisms

To increase cultural relevance in prevention programs for Native American males, it is essential to incorporate community-based participatory approaches that respect Indigenous traditions and values. First, involving tribal leaders, elders, and community members in the design and implementation of prevention initiatives ensures that programs resonate culturally and foster community ownership (Vera & Kenny, 2013). Second, integrating culturally specific healing practices, such as traditional ceremonies and storytelling, can foster trust and facilitate engagement with prevention efforts. Third, employing peer-led interventions that are sensitive to the cultural context can enhance relatability and effectiveness. These mechanisms aim to align prevention efforts with cultural identities, thereby improving outcomes and reducing stigma.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations in prevention efforts targeting Native American males include respecting community sovereignty and cultural integrity, ensuring informed consent, and maintaining confidentiality. Due to historical mistrust of external interventions, it is vital to involve community stakeholders fully and transparently in all phases of program planning and execution (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014). Respecting confidentiality is paramount, especially given the stigma surrounding substance use, which might otherwise discourage participation. Informed consent processes should be culturally sensitive, clear, and designed collaboratively to ensure understanding and voluntary participation. Moreover, stakeholder collaboration entails fostering mutually beneficial relationships, promoting social justice, and ensuring that interventions do not perpetuate cultural stereotyping but instead empower the community toward sustainable change (Vera & Kenny, 2013). These ethical principles serve as a foundation for culturally competent and ethically robust prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Addressing prescription drug overdose among Native American males requires culturally tailored prevention frameworks grounded in respect for community values and ethical standards. Recognizing the unique impacts on this subgroup and employing culturally appropriate mechanisms can enhance intervention efficacy. Simultaneously, maintaining core ethical principles such as stakeholder engagement, informed consent, and confidentiality ensures that prevention programs are both respectful and effective, ultimately contributing to health equity and social justice.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
• Hansen, H., et al. (2017). Disparities in prescription opioid overdose in Native American communities. Journal of Public Health, 107(3), 378-384.
• Vera, E. M., & Kenny, M. E. (2013). Social justice and culturally relevant prevention. In R. K. Conyne & A. M. Horne (Eds.), Prevention practice kit: Action guides for mental health professionals (pp. 1-59). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2018). How healthy is your community? Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.countyhealthrankings.org
• Walden Scholars of Change. (2016). Giving incarcerated women a second chance. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu
• Hage, S., & Romano, J. L. (2013). Best practices in prevention. In R. K. Conyne & A. M. Horne (Eds.), Prevention practice kit: Action guides for mental health professionals (pp. 32-46). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
• Additional peer-reviewed sources discussing substance misuse in Native American populations, cultural competence in prevention, and ethical considerations in mental health interventions should be incorporated for comprehensive coverage.