Thinking Back To The Leading Health Indicator You
Thinking Back To The Leading Health Indicator Upon Which You Chose
Reflecting on the Leading Health Indicator (LHI) I previously focused on—namely, maternal mortality—I consider whether we are on target to meet the objectives associated with this indicator by 2020. According to the CDC (2020), progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality rates in the United States; however, disparities persist among different racial and socioeconomic groups. Data indicates that the national maternal mortality rate has declined modestly, but significant gaps remain, especially among Black women, who experience maternal death rates nearly three times higher than white women (Foster & Heaman, 2020). These disparities highlight ongoing challenges, suggesting that the country may not yet be fully on track to meet the aggressive goals set for 2020. Factors contributing to this include inadequate access to quality prenatal care, systemic healthcare inequities, and social determinants of health, which disproportionately affect marginalized populations. Therefore, while some progress has been achieved, the target appears to be only partially met, emphasizing the need for continuing efforts to address disparities and improve maternal health outcomes nationally (Kozhimannil et al., 2019). Continued focus on policy reforms, culturally competent care, and community outreach is essential for closing the gap and reaching the health objectives related to maternal mortality.
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In this course, I learned about vital public health concepts including the social determinants of health and the importance of data-driven decision-making in health promotion. The concept of social determinants of health emphasizes how factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, and social contexts profoundly influence health outcomes (Braveman et al., 2011). This understanding has deepened my appreciation for health equity and highlighted the importance of addressing underlying social and economic factors to improve health disparities. Recognizing that health is not solely determined by individual choices but is also shaped by broader societal influences challenges the traditional biomedical model that often narrowly focuses on individual behavior. This insight encourages a holistic approach to health interventions, emphasizing community engagement and policy change to create healthier environments.
Another key concept I learned is the significance of evidence-based practice in public health. Utilizing rigorous research and data collection ensures that interventions are effective and resources are allocated efficiently (Brownson et al., 2018). This concept underscores the necessity for public health professionals to critically evaluate scientific evidence before designing and implementing programs. The insight I gained is that relying on evidence reduces the risk of ineffective or even harmful interventions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. However, I recognize that adapting evidence-based interventions to diverse populations can be challenging due to contextual differences. Emphasizing cultural competence and local stakeholder input is crucial for tailoring programs that are both effective and acceptable to target communities.
These concepts are fundamental to advancing public health because they promote equitable and scientifically sound practices that can effectively address complex health issues. In my future career—whether in healthcare policy or community health promotion—I will apply this knowledge by advocating for policies that address social determinants and by prioritizing evidence-based strategies to maximize positive health impacts. Continuous learning and critical thinking rooted in these principles will enable me to contribute to sustainable and equitable health improvements for diverse populations.
References
- Braveman, P., Egerter, S., Williams, D. R., et al. (2011). Advancing health equity: The guide to social determinants of health. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
- Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Deshpande, A., & Gillespie, K. N. (2018). Evidence-based public health. Oxford University Press.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Maternal Mortality — United States, 2018. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(11), 377–383.
- Foster, J. E., & Heaman, M. (2020). Racial disparities in maternal mortality in the United States. Journal of Women's Health, 29(4), 441–446.
- Kozhimannil, K. B., et al. (2019). Addressing disparities in maternal health: Policy perspectives. Health Affairs, 38(4), 503–509.
- Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2008). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. Pearson.