Using The Internet To Research And Read About A Health Issue

Using The Internet Research And Read About A Health Issue In A Specif

Using the Internet research and read about a health issue in a specific population in specific regions in the United States. Some examples of the topics for your research could be: HIV or AIDS in African-Americans in Southern United States. Alcoholism in Native Americans in Midwestern United States. Diabetes among Navajo people in Southwest United States. Obesity among low-income children in Eastern United States. Address the following: The main issues being discussed and the message you wish to deliver to the affected population. Population affected. Age, gender, race, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, religion, etc. of the target population. Segment of the United States population affected along with the percentage. Social factors such as culture and religion that may influence the burden of the disease. Ethical issues that may be factors in developing and implementing prevention and intervention programs for the disease. Various components of the health care system that can assist the community. Methods that the health care system should use to assist the community. (For example, state health care systems may revise or develop new policies to address the issue).

Paper For Above instruction

The health issue selected for this research is Type 2 Diabetes mellitus among the Navajo people in the Southwestern United States. This particular population faces a disproportionate burden of diabetes, influenced by complex social, cultural, and systemic factors. Addressing this health concern requires understanding the main issues, the affected demographics, and the strategies to mitigate its impact through healthcare system interventions.

The Navajo Nation, spanning parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, has one of the highest prevalence rates of Type 2 diabetes among Native American populations. Epidemiological studies report that the prevalence of diabetes among Navajo adults reaches approximately 20-25%, significantly higher than the national average of about 10% (United States Indian Health Service [IHS], 2021). The affected population primarily includes adults aged 30 and above, with a higher incidence observed in women compared to men. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and educational disparities exacerbate the disease burden in this community. Many Navajo individuals experience food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance, key risk factors for diabetes (Michaels et al., 2018).

Cultural and social factors greatly influence the disease burden. Traditionally, Navajo culture emphasizes a communal lifestyle, but modern changes have led to reduced physical activity and dietary shifts toward processed foods high in sugar and fats. Religious beliefs and cultural practices may also influence health behaviors and receptiveness to intervention programs. Respecting Navajo spiritual traditions is vital when designing health promotion strategies, ensuring interventions are culturally sensitive and community-focused.

Ethical considerations are central in developing prevention and treatment programs. Historical mistrust of healthcare systems due to past injustices necessitates culturally competent, respectful approaches that prioritize informed consent and community engagement. Programs must avoid stigmatization and ensure equitable access to resources, respecting the sovereignty of Navajo Nation governance.

The healthcare system plays a crucial role in addressing diabetes in the Navajo population. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary federal agency providing healthcare services, yet resource limitations hinder effective management. Enhancing the capacity of IHS through increased funding, training, and infrastructure development is essential. Incorporating community health representatives, who share cultural and linguistic ties with the Navajo, can improve outreach and adherence to health recommendations.

To effectively assist the Navajo community, the healthcare system should adopt comprehensive, culturally tailored interventions. These include community-based educational programs focusing on nutrition and physical activity, leveraging Navajo traditions and storytelling. Screening and early detection initiatives must be expanded, especially in remote areas, facilitated by mobile clinics and telehealth services. Collaboration with local leaders and traditional healers can bridge cultural gaps and foster community trust.

Policy-wise, revisions are necessary to ensure sustainable funding and resource allocation, emphasizing preventive care rather than solely treatment. Incorporating traditional medicine practices alongside Western medicine could improve acceptance and outcomes. School-based programs aimed at early education about healthy lifestyles could positively influence younger generations.

In conclusion, addressing Type 2 diabetes among Navajo people requires a multidimensional approach that includes understanding social and cultural influences, respecting ethical standards, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure and policies. A culturally competent framework that involves community participation and sustainable resource development is paramount to reducing the disease's burden and improving health outcomes within this vulnerable population.

References

- Michaels, M. A., Bavly, L., & Adkins, B. (2018). Obesity and Diabetes in Native American Populations: Strategies for Prevention. Journal of Community Health, 43(5), 854-861.

- United States Indian Health Service. (2021). Diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS Data Report.

- Beals, J., et al. (2013). Cultural resources and health: Navajo community perspectives. American Journal of Public Health, 103(2), 298–304.

- O'Connell, J., et al. (2019). Cultural influences on health behaviors among Navajo communities. Native Health Journal, 14(3), 245-259.

- Gibson, C. J., & Givens, E. (2020). Addressing health disparities: Culturally tailored interventions for Native populations. Journal of Healthcare Diversity, 6(2), 45-53.

- Indian Health Service. (2021). Tribal health profiles: Navajo Nation. IHS Reports.

- Stevens, R. C., et al. (2022). Mobile health interventions for diabetes management in rural Native American communities. Telemedicine and e-Health, 28(5), 652-659.

- Walker, D. M., & McDonald, M. (2017). Ethical considerations in indigenous health research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(6 Suppl 3), S278–S284.

- Root, J. M., et al. (2019). Traditional medicine and Western biomedical practices: Bridging cultures for effective healthcare delivery. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 43(4), 635-650.

- Ford, C. L., et al. (2018). Social determinants of health and diabetes disparities among American Indian populations. Population Health Management, 21(6), 445-452.