Using Healthy People 2020 Select A Public Health Problem

Usinghealthy People 2020 Select A Public Health Problem Of Interest

Using Healthy People 2020, select a public health problem of interest. Identify and evaluate three interventions that relate to the basic elements of community/public health nursing practice. Support one of the major nursing theories used as a framework for community/public health nursing practice. How has the historical development of evidence-based practice been shaped by specific events? Describe the relationship between research and the development of evidence-based practice for nursing.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Healthy People 2020 provides a comprehensive framework for addressing public health issues through targeted goals and interventions aimed at improving the health of Americans. Selection of a specific public health problem allows for an in-depth analysis of interventions rooted in community and public health nursing principles. This paper focuses on adolescent obesity, examining three interventions aligned with core public health nursing elements while highlighting the application of Betty Neuman's Systems Model as a theoretical framework. Additionally, it explores the evolution of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing, emphasizing pivotal events that shaped its development and elucidating the integral relationship between research and EBP.

Public Health Problem: Adolescent Obesity

Adolescent obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern in the United States, with prevalence rates tripling over the past few decades (CDC, 2020). It is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and psychological issues like low self-esteem and depression (Ogden et al., 2018). The rise in obesity rates underscores the need for effective community-based interventions that promote healthy behaviors among youth.

Interventions Related to Community/Public Health Nursing Practice

Three interventions effectively address adolescent obesity within community settings:

  1. Nutritional Education Programs: Implementation of school-based nutritional education aims to empower adolescents with knowledge about healthy eating habits. By collaborating with schools, community health nurses can facilitate curriculum development that emphasizes balanced diets, portion control, and the importance of fruits and vegetables (Nicklas et al., 2017). This intervention directly targets individual behavior modification and promotes an environment encouraging healthy choices.
  2. Physical Activity Initiatives: Community-wide programs encouraging physical activity, such as after-school sports, dance classes, or walk-to-school campaigns, serve to increase daily activity levels among adolescents. Public health nurses coordinate with local organizations to create accessible opportunities, addressing environmental and social determinants of health (Sallis et al., 2019). This intervention aligns with the community health principle of creating supportive environments.
  3. Family and Community Engagement: Engaging families and community stakeholders fosters support systems vital for sustaining healthy behaviors. Workshops on healthy cooking, active family routines, and parental involvement programs help reinforce health messages delivered at school and community centers (Wilfley et al., 2018). This holistic approach recognizes the influence of social networks and community cohesion on health outcomes.

Nursing Theory Framework: Betty Neuman’s Systems Model

Betty Neuman's Systems Model provides an appropriate framework for addressing adolescent obesity by viewing individuals as open systems affected by stressors, both internal and external. The model emphasizes holistic care and preventive strategies, aligning well with community health nursing practices. Nurses can assess stressors in adolescents' environments—such as peer pressure, food access, and family dynamics—and develop comprehensive interventions that strengthen coping mechanisms and promote health (Neuman & Fawcett, 2011).

Applying Neuman’s model facilitates a multifaceted approach—integrating education, environmental modification, and family support—to address obesity. It also underscores the importance of maintaining balance among various system components, emphasizing preventive care rather than solely focusing on treatment.

Development of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

The evolution of EBP in nursing has been significantly influenced by key historical events. The publication of the Wyoming Study in 1950 marked one of the earliest systematic efforts to apply research findings to nursing practice. Subsequently, the development of the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model in the 1990s formalized approaches for integrating research into clinical decision-making (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018).

Moreover, the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM, 2001) report "Crossing the Quality Chasm" emphasized the necessity for healthcare practices rooted in scientific evidence. This spurred a paradigm shift from tradition-based care to evidence-based approaches in nursing, promoting standardized protocols, improved patient outcomes, and health policy reforms. Recognition of the importance of research in identifying best practices has fostered a culture that values continuous learning and quality improvement.

Research and the Development of Evidence-Based Practice

Research is the foundation upon which EBP is built. It provides the empirical data necessary for developing, validating, and refining clinical guidelines and interventions. In nursing, research facilitates the identification of effective strategies to improve patient outcomes, informs health policies, and addresses health disparities. The cyclical relationship involves research generating evidence, which then informs practice, leading to new questions for further investigation (Titler, 2018).

This integration has been exemplified through randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and translational research, all contributing to a robust knowledge base that enhances nursing practice quality and safety. As a result, EBP ensures that nursing care is scientifically supported, culturally competent, and contextually relevant.

Conclusion

Addressing adolescent obesity through community-oriented interventions exemplifies the core principles of public health nursing. Applying Betty Neuman’s Systems Model offers a comprehensive framework to guide holistic assessment and intervention. The development of evidence-based practice in nursing has been driven by critical historical events and is intrinsically linked to ongoing research efforts. Together, these elements foster continuous improvement in nursing practice, ultimately enhancing health outcomes across populations.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Childhood Obesity Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
  • Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2011). The Neuman systems model. Pearson.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2019). The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/engineering-design/engineering-design-research
  • National Research Council. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The National Academies Press.
  • Nicklas, T. A., Baranowski, T., Cullen, K. W., et al. (2017). School-based nutrition and physical activity interventions. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 117(10), 1574-1584.
  • Ogden, C. L., Fryar, C. D., Hales, C. M., et al. (2018). Trends in Obesity Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status Among US Children and Adolescents, 2013-2016. JAMA, 319(16), 1729–1741.
  • Sallis, J. F., Floyd, M. F., Rodríguez, D. A., & Saelens, B. E. (2019). Role of Built Environments in Physical Activity, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation, 125(5), 729-737.
  • Titler, M. G. (2018). The evidence for evidence-based practice implementation. In M. G. Titler (Ed.), Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (3rd ed., pp. 3-17). Springer.
  • Wilfley, D. E., Walker, M., & Epstein, L. H. (2018). Family-based behavioral treatment for childhood obesity: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 142(Supplement 2), S99–S106.

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