NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4
NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4
The American healthcare system faces a major challenge in the form of inequality, which has a disproportionate impact on , including people of color (Boyd et al., 2020). Such disparities are the cause of gaps in health insurance coverage, resulting in uneven access to care services and poor health outcomes among minority populations. Furthermore, studies show that these inequalities have a significant impact on African Americans, contributing to the high prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as the increased mortality rates among this minority population. This discussion examines the health status of African Americans as a minority population in comparison to the national average.
Health Status of African Americans
African Americans account for approximately 13.4% of the US population. In comparison to whites, black Americans have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, sexually transmitted infections, and diabetes. Morbidity and mortality rates among African Americans have been linked to a variety of economic and social factors. For example, studies show that African Americans are more likely than whites to avoid seeing a doctor when they are sick, owing to high healthcare costs (Yearby, 2018). Despite significant advances in the current healthcare system in the United States, there is evidence that racial and ethnic minorities, such as black Americans, continue to receive lower quality care services, resulting in poor health outcomes when compared to whites. As of August 2019, approximately 68 million people were covered by the Medicaid program, with black Americans accounting for 20%. Because most black Americans have lower social and economic status, they are poorer than other demographic groups, making it more difficult for them to enroll in health insurance programs such as Medicaid.
Health Disparities
The death rate among African Americans has declined by about 25% over the past 17 years precisely for populations above the age of 65 years, as reported by the . However, studies also show that young African Americans have a higher probability of dying at an early age as a result of increased risks for stroke, heart disease, cancer, pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDs among other conditions, as compared to their white counterparts. Social factors common among this minority group contributing to the above-mentioned health disparities include unemployment, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poverty among others (Bell et al., 2020). Consequently, this group of individuals is also faced with nutritional challenges such as unfavorable nutritional environments, food deserts, food swamps, and food insecurities. For instance, black Americans are associated with poverty and a low level of education, which makes it hard for them to access quality and healthy foods as compared to the economically rich racial majorities. They end up consuming fast foods, among other unhealthy foods, which increases their risk of cardiovascular conditions and obesity.
A minority population is a group of individuals who share religious, cultural, racial, ethnic, or linguistic features and make up less than half of a country’s or state’s population. In the United States, minority racial/ethnic groups have specific health features and attributes, and they are frequently socially disadvantaged as a result of potential discriminatory activities. The purpose of this study is to examine health disparities, health barriers, and and approaches among American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Ethnic Minority Group
American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are a U.S. ethnic minority group made up of people from North, Central, and South America who maintain tribal and community ties. In 2020, 9.7 million people identified as AI/AN alone or in combination with another race, according to the Census Bureau. (Frey, 2020). The figure has risen from 5.2 million in 2010. AIANs make up 2.9 percent of the population in the United States. AI/AN are the second-largest racial group in many states, trailing only Whites (Frey, 2020). Alaska (14.8 percent), New Mexico (8.9 percent), South Dakota (8.4 percent), Montana (6 percent), and North Dakota have the highest AIAN populations (4.8 percent ).
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NRS 429V Week 1 Discussion 2
In the assigned reading, “How to Write Learning Objectives That Meet Demanding Behavioral Criteria,” Kizlik explained that “objectives that are used in education, whether they are called learning objectives, behavioral objectives, instructional objectives, or performance objectives are terms that refer to descriptions of observable behavior or performance that are used to make judgments about learning.” How do health providers design educational programs to clearly articulate objectives to engage both patients as well as families?
According to the family systems theory, a member of a family has to change its behaviors and influence everyone in the family to follow along and change to promote health and wellness. An example is a family member with a history of obesity decides to lose weight and creates a diet plan and exercise regimen and encourages the rest of the family to join him in the journey of losing weight. Behavioral changes when an individual decides to change for the better and act on it.
The family systems theory helps in teaching behavioral changes because once a family member is involved in the plan of care and already decides to take part in the process of helping to live a better lifestyle, it is much easier to influence the rest of the family.
According to the ebookHealth Promotion: Health & Wellness Across the Continuum, variables that affect the ability to learn are race, ethnicity, immigration status, disabilities, sex/gender/sexual orientation, environmental threats, poverty, access to health care, and lack of education can be barriers that affect a patient’s ability to learn and move forward with the behavioral changes.
A patient’s readiness to learn to change their lifestyle for a better life improves the learning outcomes because once a patient understands the reasoning behind the need for the change, it is easier to change its bad habits to new habits and live a healthy lifestyle.
References
Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Health promotion: Health & wellness across the continuum. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs429vn/health-promotion-health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum/v1.1/
Response
This is an outstanding response Ronald. I agree with it. Health conditions tend to emanate from intricate factors such as those advanced by social, economic, and political determinants. Health is determined by the manner in which societies are structured and how health policy agendas are influenced by the political nature in the society (Laverack, 2017). Health promotion interventions that address behavioral risks are capable of supporting policies to enhance health or uphold inequalities in a society. This is attributed to the fact that behavioral change models have insignificant impact on wider conditions that result in poor health. Therefore, any health promotion model intended to initiate behavioral changes should be adopted as a component of a winder, inclusive policy framework. Ensuring a comprehensive and multi-component health promotion model is appropriate in changing bad behaviors that can cause negative health effects (Laverack, 2017). Advancing health promotion model through a strong policy framework is crucial in giving people greater control over their lives instead of instructing them on what to do.
References
Laverack, G. (2017). The challenge of behaviour change and health promotion. Challenges, 8(2), 25.
AI/ANs have poorer health than the general population. Statistics show that 22.4 percent of adults aged 18 and up are in fair or poor health. Among AI/AN patients, the most common diseases are heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and unintentional injuries. AI/ANs have a high prevalence of and risk factors for obesity, diabetes, mental health disorders, substance use, suicide, unintentional injuries, sudden infant death syndrome, teenage pregnancy, liver disease, and hepatitis, according to the United States Office of Minority Health (OMH). In 2020, the leading causes of death among AI/AN were COVID-19 complications, heart disease, and cancer. (OMH, 2021). Because of conditions such as chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, assault/homicide, unintentional injuries, and intentional self-harm/suicide, AI/AN continue to outlive the general population. In 2020, AI/AN had 967.1 deaths per 100,000 people. (OMH, 2021). Because people face a variety of barriers to receiving quality medical care, such as geographic isolation, cultural barriers, poor sanitation facilities, and low income, race and ethnicity have an impact on the health of AI/AN.
One of the countries having a wide range of races and communities is the USA The existing number of racial groups and communities means that there have been persistent racial disparities in mortality, mental health, chronic health conditions, and health coverage (Shepherd et al., 2018). The disparities existing have come due to prolonged durations of systematic inequality in the American health care systems, housing, and economic systems. Among such minority groups are African Americans. This health promotion in minority populations paper therefore looks explores African Americans. A description of the group, the current health status, and how race and ethnicity influence their health will be discussed. In addition, the health disparities and nutritional challenges existing among the African Americans, barriers to health, potential health promotion activities, and a cultural theory to consider while coming up with a health promotion plan will be
The Ethnic Minority Group, Current Health Status and Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Health
African-Americans were chosen as the minority group. African-Americans are people who have some or all of their ancestors from Africa’s Black racial groups. According to the CDC, even though mortality rates among African Americans have decreased in the last decade, particularly among those aged 65 and older, younger generations are dying or living with many conditions that are more common among Whites in their old age (CDC, 2017). Race and ethnicity influence this group’s health in a variety of ways, owing largely to social and economic circumstances. For example, adults in this group are more likely to report that they are unable to see a doctor due to high costs. A significant number of African-Americans believe that their health is determined by fate and faith, with only about half believing that health is a priority (Maragh-Bass et al., 2021).
NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4 Assessment Description
Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander). Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group.
In a NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4 paper of 1,000-1,250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following:
- Describe the ethnic minority group that was chosen. Describe this group’s current health status. How do race and ethnicity affect this group’s health?
- What are the health disparities for this population? What are this group’s nutritional challenges?
- Discuss the health barriers that this group faces as a result of culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors.
- What kinds of health-promoting activities does this group frequently engage in?
- Describe at least one approach that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have chosen, using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary). Explain why you believe it is the most effective option.
- What cultural beliefs or practices must be taken into account when developing a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be most appropriate for supporting culturally competent health promotion in this population? Why?
Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4 assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.
Prepare this NRS 429 Health Promotion in Minority Populations Topic 4 assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the .
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Course Resources if you need assistance.
Health Promotion in Minority Populations
The American healthcare system is faced with the great challenge of inequality which displays a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, including people of color (Boyd et al., 2020). Such inequalities are the reason behind the gaps in the acquisition of health insurance coverage, leading to uneven access to care services and poor health outcomes among the minority populations. Additionally, studies show that African Americans are significantly impacted by these inequalities contributing to the high prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, in addition to the increased mortality rates among this minority population. This discussion provides an analysis of the health status of African Americans, as part of the minority population, in comparison to the national average.
Health Status of African Americans
African Americans make up approximately 13.4% of the United States population. The current health status of black Americans displays an increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and diabetes as compared to whites. Increased morbidity and mortality rates among African Americans have been associated with several economic and social factors. For instance, studies show that African Americans have a more likelihood of not seeing a doctor when they are sick, as a result of high healthcare costs (Yearby, 2018). Despite the significant advances in the current healthcare system in the U.S., there is still evidence reporting that racial and ethnic minorities such as black Americans still receive a lower quality of care services leading to poor health outcomes as compared to the whites. As of 2019 August, it was reported that approximately 68 million people had been covered by the Medicaid program, with black Americans accounting for 20%. Given that most black Americans have lower social and economic status, they tend to be poorer than other demographic groups, hence making it harder for them to enroll in health insurance programs like Medicaid.
Health Disparities
The death rate among African Americans has declined by about 25% over the past 17 years precisely for populations above the age of 65 years, as reported by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, studies also show that young African Americans have a higher probability of dying at an early age as a result of increased risks for stroke, heart disease, cancer, pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDs among other conditions, as compared to their white counterparts. Social factors common among this minority group contributing to the above-mentioned health disparities include unemployment, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poverty among others (Bell et al., 2020). Consequently, this group of individuals is also faced with nutritional challenges such as unfavorable nutritional environments, food deserts, food swamps, and food insecurities. For instance, black Americans are associated with poverty and a low level of education, which makes it hard for them to access quality and healthy foods as compared to the economically rich racial majorities. They end up consuming fast foods, among other unhealthy foods, which increases their risk of cardiovascular conditions and obesity.
Barriers to Health
Various barriers to the accessibility of quality health care services have been identified for the African American population. Predominating barriers include decreased understanding of care plans, inability to pay for care services, lack of transportation to care facility, and the inability of incorporating the recommended health care plans into their routine daily living pattern. These barriers are associated with several cultural, educational, socio-political, and socioeconomic factors. For instance, cultural beliefs among African Americans promoting unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, in addition to failure to follow up on routine screening, negatively affects their overall health and utilization of healthcare services irrespective of their social or financial status (Lewis & Dyke, 2018). Consequently, the low socio-economic status among African Americans in terms of low income, unemployment, low education level, and occupation status is also a significant inhibitory factor towards accessibility to quality healthcare services. Lastly, as part of the minorities, blacks in the U.S have limited political influence towards the development of appropriate policies such as the “Obama Care,” to promote their access to quality care services.
Health Promotion Activities
With regard to the numerous health disparities affecting African Americans, several health promotion activities have been proposed over the years to help promote the health and well-being of this minority group. The self-help initiative was introduced among African Americans to promote taking personal responsibility for their health and improving their quality of life. Self-help health promotion practices among black Americans include routine screening for predominating health conditions, physical exercise, healthy diet plans, adoption of recommended care plans, and disease prevention practices at home (Fletcher et al., 2018). Consequently, for the religious members of the community, faith-basedorganizationslike churches have promoted structural health promotion activities including education, health fairs, and smoking cessation among others.
Approach for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
One of the most effective approaches that can be utilized by African Americans in promoting their health as part of the care plan is the adoption of Pender’s health promotion model. According to the CDC, black Americans are at high risk of chronic diseases, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of death among this group of individuals. Health promotion practices focusing on lifestyle modification have displayed great significance in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Pender’s health promotion model, on the other hand, provides a foundation promoting the examination of the background influences of this minority population, in line with the health promotion practices that can lead to a healthy lifestyle (Fletcher et al., 2018). At the primary level, this model encourages regular exercise and a healthy diet to prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy living. At the secondary level, the model promotes routing screening for hypertension, diabetes, and cancer among other common diseases. Lastly, at the tertiary level, the model promotes education programs and rehabilitation among the affected individuals.
Cultural Beliefs and Practices
Other than social and economic factors, several cultural factors among black Americans must be considered when developing the most effective care plan. Some of such cultural beliefs include lack of trust in complementary medicine, misconceptions about immunization, and strong religious beliefs against organ donation among other medical procedures. With the theory of cultural humility, clinicians can now come up with flexible care plans, while still upholding the patients’ cultural values and beliefs (Boyd et al., 2020). This theory is based on the importance of preventing cultural discrimination and promoting the equal provision of care to the culturally diverse population.
Conclusion
Health promotion practices are crucial among the general population in disease prevention and improved quality of life. Minority populations such as African Americans, are faced with numerous health disparities as compared to the whites, hence the need for more health promotion activities. However, when coming up with a care plan for this minority population, it is necessary to identify and respect their cultural values and beliefs to promote positive outcomes.
References
Bell, C. N., Sacks, T. K., Tobin, C. S. T., & Thorpe Jr, R. J. (2020). Racial non-equivalence of socioeconomic status and self-rated health among African Americans and Whites. SSM-population health, 10, 100561.
Boyd, R. W., Lindo, E. G., Weeks, L. D., & McLemore, M. R. (2020). On racism: a new standard for publishing on racial health inequities. Health Affairs Blog, 10(10.1377). https://doi.org/10.1377/hblog20200630.939347
Fletcher, G. F., Landolfo, C., Niebauer, J., Ozemek, C., Arena, R., & Lavie, C. J. (2018). Promoting physical activity and exercise: JACC health promotion series. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(14), 1622-1639. https://doi.org/
Lewis, T. T., & Van Dyke, M. E. (2018). Discrimination and the health of African Americans: The potential importance of intersectionalities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27(3), 176-182.
Yearby, R. (2018). Racial disparities in health status and access to healthcare: the continuation of inequality in the United States due to structural racism. American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 77(3-4), 1113-1152.
