Rubic Print Format Course Code Class Code ANP 635
Rubic Print Formatcourse Codeclass Codeanp 635anp 635 Xo0103xbcriteria
Research the risk factors of each selected patient population for diseases, the social determinants of health that affect this population, and functional and dysfunctional health patterns.
Patient Population Social Determinants of Health Barriers Preventative Health Care Required Health Promotion Education Adolescent Adult Geriatric
Paper For Above instruction
The assessment of health risks across different patient populations requires a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health (SDOH), functional and dysfunctional health patterns, and targeted health promotion strategies. This paper explores these aspects for adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations, identifying specific risk factors, social influences, health barriers, and education needs to improve health outcomes.
Introduction
Health promotion and disease prevention are essential components of nursing care that necessitate understanding the unique needs of diverse patient populations. Recognizing the risk factors for diseases, the impacts of social determinants of health, and the patterns of functional and dysfunctional health provide the foundation for tailored health interventions. This paper examines these factors in adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations to delineate effective health promotion strategies.
Adolescent Population
Adolescents face distinct health risks, including behaviors such as substance abuse, unsafe sexual activity, and poor nutritional habits that can predispose them to chronic diseases and mental health issues (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Social determinants such as peer influence, family dynamics, and socioeconomic status significantly affect adolescent health outcomes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Adolescents living in poverty or unstable environments often encounter barriers like limited access to healthcare, insufficient health education, and mental health resources (Ginsburg, 2022).
Functional health patterns among adolescents often involve developmental milestones, social interactions, and academic performance (Moberg & Peltzer, 2019). Dysfunctional patterns may include risk-taking behaviors, depression, and anxiety, which hinder healthy development. Preventative health care for adolescents includes vaccination, sexual health education, routine screening for mental health issues, and promotion of healthy lifestyles (Luk et al., 2021). Education strategies emphasize empowering adolescents with knowledge, fostering self-efficacy, and engaging families and schools.
Adult Population
Adults are susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Risk factors include poor diet, sedentary behavior, smoking, and chronic stress (American Heart Association [AHA], 2022). Social determinants such as employment status, education level, and social support influence health behaviors and access to healthcare services (Berkman et al., 2018). Barriers for adults often encompass financial constraints, lack of time, limited health literacy, and inadequate access to preventative services (Baker et al., 2019).
Functional health patterns in adults focus on maintaining independence, managing chronic illnesses, and optimizing physical and mental well-being. Dysfunctional patterns involve unmanaged chronic conditions, mental health disorders, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Preventative health measures include routine screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer screenings), health counseling, and vaccination adherence (Yamamoto et al., 2020). Education should aim at promoting healthy behaviors, improving health literacy, and encouraging participation in screening programs.
Geriatric Population
Geriatric populations face increased risks of chronic diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Social determinants include isolation, limited income, inadequate access to healthcare, and environmental factors like unsafe living conditions (Berkman et al., 2019). Barriers include mobility issues, sensory impairments, and socioeconomic disadvantages that hinder engagement with preventive services (Fried et al., 2021).
Functional health patterns among older adults revolve around maintaining independence, managing multiple comorbidities, and preserving cognitive and physical functions. Dysfunctional patterns involve falls, medication non-adherence, depression, and social isolation. Preventative health care includes immunizations (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal), fall prevention programs, cognitive assessments, and chronic disease management (Feldman & McCarthy, 2022). Education should focus on age-specific health promotion, medication management, and social engagement to improve quality of life.
Discussion and Recommendations
Addressing the health needs of these populations requires culturally sensitive and individualized interventions that acknowledge social determinants and existing barriers. For adolescents, school-based programs and family involvement are effective strategies. For adults, workplace wellness initiatives and community outreach can enhance preventive care. For the geriatric population, home-based services and social support groups play crucial roles. Integration of these strategies into healthcare practice enhances the efficacy of health promotion activities tailored to each group’s developmental and social context.
Nurses and healthcare providers should prioritize health education, facilitate access to preventive services, and advocate for policies targeting social determinants that impede health. Emphasis on early detection, health literacy, and community engagement structures fosters sustainable health improvements across the lifespan (Green et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Understanding the unique risk factors, social determinants, and health patterns of adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations is vital for effective health promotion. Tailored interventions that address specific barriers and leverage community and social resources are essential to improve health outcomes. Future efforts should focus on reducing disparities, enhancing health literacy, and implementing age-appropriate preventive measures to promote optimal health across the lifespan.
References
- Baker, D. W., Williams, M. V., Parker, R. M., et al. (2019). Health literacy and understanding of health information among adults. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(4), 535-542.
- Berkman, L. F., Kawachi, I., & Glymour, M. M. (2018). Social Epidemiology. Oxford University Press.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Adolescent health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/about.htm
- Feldman, P. D., & McCarthy, M. (2022). Geriatric health care. In P. Feldman & M. McCarthy (Eds.), Geriatric Nursing (8th ed., pp. 150-175). Elsevier.
- Fried, L. P., Guralnik, J. M., & Leveille, S. G. (2021). Aging and health. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(24), 2321-2323.
- Ginsburg, A. (2022). Adolescent health promotion strategies. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 67, 102-107.
- Green, L. W., Kreuter, M. W., & Potter, L. (2019). Health Program Planning: An Educational Approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Luk, S. T., Lam, S. T., & Ho, T. P. (2021). School-based intervention for adolescent health promotion. Journal of Adolescence, 88, 150-159.
- Moberg, D. P., & Peltzer, K. (2019). Functional health in adolescence. Pediatric Nursing, 45(2), 85-89.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). World report on ageing and health. https://www.who.int/ageing/events/world-report-2015/en/
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health
- Yamamoto, K., Kogure, Y., & Tanaka, S. (2020). Preventive health screening in adults. Preventive Medicine Reports, 18, 101099.