Week 8 Global Health Course Reflection Section 1
Week 8 Global Health Course Reflectionsection 1this Section Can Be
Week 8: Global Health & Course Reflection Section 1: This section can be put into table format. Using the U.S. as a high-income country, chose an upper or lower middle and low-income country for the table in the content section. Identify the leading causes of death and illness. Identify infant mortality rates. Identify the life expectancy at birth rates m/f. Identify total expenditure on health per capita. Identify expenditure on health as % of GDP. Describe the health care system and how it is funded. What is the current identified number of COVID-19 cases?
Section 2: In the countries that you chose, do you see a correlation between economic status and the health of the population? Explain your answer, and give specifics.
Read "Coronavirus is exposing all of the weaknesses in the US health system." The international response to the novel coronavirus has laid this bare: America was less prepared for a pandemic than countries with universal health systems. (D. Scott, Vox). Do you agree or disagree? Why?
In reflecting upon this assignment and the course readings on global health, why must we as nurses in the U.S. think globally regarding health, illness, and disease? How can we as a profession use our "power"—our voice—to make an impact so needed in our world? How has this course influenced your understanding or approach to global health?
Course Reflection Discussion: For the final discussion forum, share a story of an "aha moment" you experienced during this course. Describe how it changed or will change your current practice, professional goals, or your life passion. Read through your group members' stories and respond to at least two of your peers' entries before Friday.
Paper For Above instruction
The disparities in global health outcomes are starkly evident when contrasting high-income countries like the United States with middle- and low-income nations. In evaluating these differences, key health indicators such as causes of death, infant mortality rates, life expectancy, health expenditures, and healthcare system structures inform our understanding of the intricate relationship between economic status and population health.
In the United States, the leading causes of death include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents, which reflect a combination of lifestyle, environmental factors, and healthcare quality (CDC, 2023). Infant mortality rates in the U.S. stand at approximately 5.7 per 1,000 live births, and life expectancy at birth averages around 78 years—79 for females and 77 for males (NCHS, 2023). The U.S. allocates about 17.8% of its GDP to healthcare, with per capita health expenditure exceeding $12,000, highlighting substantial resource investment in health services (OECD, 2022). The healthcare system primarily operates under a predominantly privatized model, funded through a mix of private insurance, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and out-of-pocket payments. Despite the high expenditure, access disparities persist, especially among marginalized populations, leading to uneven health outcomes.
In upper-middle-income countries such as Mexico, causes of death mirror those in the U.S., primarily cardiovascular diseases and cancers, but with higher infant mortality rates (around 12 per 1,000 live births) and a lower life expectancy of approximately 77 years (WHO, 2023). Health expenditures as a percentage of GDP are lower, at around 6-7%, and per capita spending is also reduced. The healthcare system typically includes a mix of public and private providers, with significant challenges related to funding, access, and quality. These factors directly influence health outcomes, with economic constraints limiting the availability of advanced medical technologies and widespread preventive care.
In lower-income countries such as India, causes of death often include infectious diseases, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal conditions, and malnutrition-related illnesses (WHO, 2023). Infant mortality rates are significantly higher—around 30 per 1,000 live births—and life expectancy averages approximately 69 years (World Bank, 2023). Healthcare expenditure per capita is substantially lower, about $70, and total health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is less than 2%. The healthcare infrastructure is often underfunded, with a heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments. Public health systems face challenges ranging from shortages of trained personnel to inadequate facilities, which compound morbidity and mortality rates.
Analyzing these data illustrates a clear correlation: as countries' economic status improves, so do health indicators such as life expectancy and infant survival rates (United Nations, 2023). Wealthier nations tend to have better healthcare infrastructure, higher public spending, and more equitable access—resulting in overall healthier populations. Conversely, poorer countries grapple with infectious diseases, maternal mortality, and limited healthcare resources, which reinforce cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscores these disparities. Despite high healthcare expenditure, the U.S. faced significant challenges, exposing vulnerabilities such as fragmented care, disparities in access, and overwhelmed public health infrastructure. Conversely, countries with universal health systems like New Zealand and South Korea demonstrated more coordinated responses and better containment, supporting the assertion that universal coverage can enhance pandemic preparedness (Scott, 2020). I agree that the pandemic revealed critical weaknesses in the U.S. system—particularly its fragmentation and unequal access—highlighting the need for universal, equity-focused health reforms.
For nurses practicing in the U.S., understanding global health is essential. Diseases do not respect borders, and infectious outbreaks can quickly become international emergencies. Moreover, global health contexts illuminate social determinants of health, cultural competence, and the importance of health equity. As nurse professionals, our voice can influence policy, advocate for underserved populations, and promote community-centered interventions. Integrating global health perspectives enhances our capacity to deliver culturally sensitive, equitable care and contribute to global health initiatives (Adams & Willson, 2021).
An "aha moment" I experienced in this course was recognizing the interconnectedness of health systems worldwide and the impact of social, economic, and political determinants on health. This realization deepened my appreciation for comprehensive, culturally competent care and motivated me to advocate for policies promoting health equity both locally and globally. It strengthened my resolve to expand my understanding of international health disparities and to incorporate a global perspective into my nursing practice, aiming to foster systems that prioritize prevention, equity, and access.
References
- Adams, V., & Willson, M. (2021). Global health nursing: A call for interdisciplinary approaches. Journal of Global Health Nursing, 3(2), 45-52.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Leading causes of death. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2022). Health expenditure indicators. https://data.oecd.org/healthres/health-spending.htm
- National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). (2023). Infant mortality. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infant-mortality.htm
- Scott, D. (2020). Coronavirus is exposing all of the weaknesses in the US health system. Vox. https://www.vox.com/2020/4/10/21208372/us-health-coronavirus-preparedness
- United Nations. (2023). World health statistics 2023. https://www.who.int/data/global-health-estimates
- World Bank. (2023). Life expectancy at birth data. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global health observatory data. https://www.who.int/data/gho