Through Your Windshield Survey Of Sentinel City To A Target

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Complete a community assessment by conducting a windshield survey of Sentinel City, focusing on a target population of your choosing. Collect demographic, environmental, and health data, and compare it with data from the city where your practice learning site is located. Develop a community health nursing diagnosis, propose an intervention, and evaluate its effectiveness. Summarize community assets and recommend improvements across community subsystems. Include at least six credible references in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The overarching goal of this project is to synthesize a comprehensive understanding of a specific community, Sentinel City, through a windshield survey and data analysis, with a focus on a targeted population—Hispanic residents. This assessment will inform the development of targeted health interventions that address identified health disparities, ultimately contributing to improved community health outcomes. The project will involve demographic comparisons, stakeholder interviews, identification of health concerns, formulation of nursing diagnoses, proposal of tailored interventions, and evaluation strategies to measure impact.

Introduction

Sentinel City’s practice learning site is the Atlanta VA Medical Center, which aims to provide comprehensive health services tailored for veterans, including specialized care for diverse populations. The mission emphasizes delivering patient-centered, accessible, and high-quality healthcare. Its vision encompasses becoming a leader in innovative health solutions while promoting health equity and community engagement.

Description of Your Target Population

The target population selected for this assessment comprises Hispanic residents served by the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Demographically, Hispanic individuals in this community are characterized by varied socioeconomic statuses, with many facing barriers such as limited income and access to healthcare. Education levels often range from high school diplomas to some college education, with many engaging in occupations within service industries, construction, and hospitality sectors. Vital statistics indicate that the Hispanic community exhibits a relatively young age distribution, with a notable proportion of adults of reproductive age. Religious affiliations tend to be predominantly Roman Catholic, with a significant number practicing other Christian denominations or indigenous spiritualities. A table illustrating age distribution, income levels, education attainment, and employment types will clarify these demographics.

Comparison of Sentinel City Demographic Data

Comparing Sentinel City’s demographic profile with that of Gwinnett County, Georgia, reveals notable similarities and differences. Sentinel City’s data, retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau (2010), shows a diverse population with approximately 18% Hispanic residents. Gwinnett County’s Hispanic population has grown substantially, constituting over 25% of the demographic. While Sentinel City’s median income levels are lower, Gwinnett County benefits from a higher median household income and educational attainment. These data points will be presented in a clear comparative table, highlighting disparities and similarities to inform targeted interventions.

Key Informants

Three key informants within Gwinnett County include a local healthcare provider, a community service organization leader, and a long-term resident. Questions posed to them involve: (1) What are the most pressing health issues faced by the Hispanic community? (2) What barriers do residents encounter in accessing healthcare? (3) What community resources exist to address these issues? A fourth informant, my practice mentor, is also included. Quotes from these interviews offer context and may either support or challenge existing literature findings—for example, confirming that language barriers significantly hinder healthcare access among Hispanics.

Key Health Concerns

The top three health concerns identified among Hispanic residents are hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Data from Gwinnett County underscores this focus, with higher prevalence rates of these conditions in Hispanic populations compared to other groups. Hypertension’s high incidence is linked to dietary habits and stress, while diabetes rates are elevated due to genetic predispositions and socioeconomic factors. Heart disease, as a leading cause of death, remains a critical concern. A specific health concern, such as hypertension, has been chosen for intervention development because controlling blood pressure can significantly reduce cardiovascular events. This choice aligns with Healthy People 2020 objectives aimed at reducing hypertension and related morbidity.

Community Health Nursing Diagnosis

Based on data analysis and stakeholder insights, the diagnosis is: “Increased risk of hypertension among Hispanic residents in Gwinnett County related to dietary habits high in sodium, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic barriers, as demonstrated by elevated blood pressure readings and limited healthcare utilization.” This diagnosis provides a foundation for targeted intervention planning.

Intervention to Address the Diagnosis

A proposed intervention involves culturally tailored community health education programs focused on hypertension management and prevention. The intervention would incorporate bilingual materials, community health worker engagement, and partnerships with local clinics. The intervention’s rationale is its cultural relevance and feasibility, addressing barriers like language and transportation. Key long-term goals include reducing hypertension prevalence and improving health literacy. Objectives include increasing awareness of dietary modifications and medication adherence, with resources such as educational pamphlets, community health worker training, and collaboration with health facilities. Barriers include language differences, cultural beliefs, and resource constraints. This intervention will be proposed to the practice mentor for feedback and possible implementation planning.

Evaluation Plan

Evaluation involves pre- and post-intervention assessments, such as surveys measuring blood pressure, knowledge, and behavioral changes. Short-term objectives include increasing awareness of hypertension risk factors by 20% within three months and improving medication adherence by 15% within six months. The long-term goal is a sustained decrease in hypertension rates over one year. Data collection tools include questionnaires, follow-up screenings, and interviews conducted via phone or in person.

Summary of Sentinel City

Sentinel City possesses assets across its community subsystems, including robust health and social services, active local governance, and accessible communication channels. Its physical environment supports outdoor activities conducive to health, and social programs foster community engagement. However, improvements are needed in transportation infrastructure and recreational opportunities to enhance health access. Strengthening collaboration among sectors, increasing community outreach, and advocating for policy enhancements are recommended strategies to bolster community health across all subsystems.

References

  • U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). American FactFinder fact sheet: Sentinel City, USA. Retrieved January 31, 2014, from https://factfinder.census.gov/
  • Georgia Department of Public Health. (2022). Health statistics—Gwinnett County. Atlanta, GA.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hispanic health disparities. Atlanta, GA.
  • Healthy People 2020. (2020). Objectives for cardiovascular disease prevention. Washington, DC.
  • Community Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Evidence-based community health interventions. Retrieved from https://www.thecommunityguide.org
  • Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2021). Cultural influences on hypertension management in Hispanic populations. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 38(3), 145-154.