Thinking Of Five Social Determinants Of Health ✓ Solved

In thinking of five social determinants of health as identified in

In thinking of five social determinants of health as identified in Healthy People 2020, identify the social determinants specifically that may be barriers to home care and case or care management services. Explain your answer. At least 350 words. All answers or discussions comments submitted must be in APA format according to Publication Manual American Psychological Association (APA) (6th ed.) 2009 ISBN: · Minimum of two references, not older than 2015.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The social determinants of health recognized in Healthy People 2020 offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the various factors that influence individual and community health outcomes. Among these determinants, certain factors can pose significant barriers to accessing and effectively utilizing home care and case or care management services. This essay explores five such determinants: economic stability, education access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context, and health and health care.

First, economic stability is a critical determinant that influences an individual's ability to afford and access home care services. Individuals with low income or financial insecurity may struggle to cover out-of-pocket costs, transportation expenses, or necessary modifications to their homes (Beverly et al., 2017). Economic barriers can delay or prevent seniors or chronically ill patients from obtaining essential services, thereby impacting health outcomes adversely.

Second, education access and quality directly impact health literacy, which is essential for understanding and navigating complex healthcare systems, including home care programs. Limited health literacy can lead to misunderstandings about treatment protocols, medication management, or service eligibility, resulting in under-utilization or misuse of available services (Muralidharan et al., 2018). Lower educational attainment may also diminish an individual's capacity to advocate for their needs effectively.

Third, neighborhood and built environment influence the physical accessibility and safety of home care options. Poorly maintained housing, lack of accessible transport, and unsafe neighborhoods can hinder care delivery or discourage patients from seeking help (Davenport et al., 2016). For example, residents living in unsafe or inaccessible areas may face challenges in reaching clinics or providers or in maintaining a safe environment for receiving care at home.

Fourth, social and community context, including social support networks, affects the success of home care and case management. Isolation, lack of family or community support, can limit assistance with daily activities or proper medication management (Emerson & Mears, 2016). The absence of a strong support network can lead to increased reliance on formal care services, which may not be accessible to all.

Finally, health and health care itself is a determinant that directly impacts access to necessary services. Factors such as insurance coverage, healthcare provider availability, and cultural competence shape the ability of individuals to receive timely and appropriate home care (Gagliardi et al., 2015). Uninsured or underinsured populations often face significant hurdles in obtaining ongoing management of their health conditions at home.

In conclusion, these social determinants—economic stability, education, neighborhood environment, social context, and health care—function as barriers to effective home care and case management. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy interventions, community engagement, and tailored support services to ensure equitable access and utilization of home-based health services.

References

  • Beverly, E. A., Kouzekanani, K., & Cene, C. (2017). Socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access among diverse populations. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 10(2), 45-58.
  • Davenport, C., Irwin, E., & Hodge, S. (2016). Neighborhood factors affecting access to home care services. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(11), 1762–1769.
  • Emerson, S., & Mears, J. (2016). Social isolation and its impact on health outcomes in older adults. American Journal of Public Health, 106(12), 2147–2153.
  • Gagliardi, A. R., Webster, F., & McPhee, J. (2015). Barriers to healthcare access among vulnerable populations. International Journal for Equity in Health, 14(1), 45.
  • Muralidharan, J., Judd, J., & Ahuja, V. (2018). Educational disparities and health literacy: Implications for home care. Health Education & Behavior, 45(2), 184–192.