Posted: October 11th, 2023

NSG 4410 Population Health Nursing Assignment

NSG 4410
Population Health Nursing

Guidelines for the Healthy People Paper

The subject of this paper is the AGGREGATE (vulnerable population) and the community that the aggregate lives in. For example, the aggregate could be children living in poverty, maybe in the rural community of Hurtsboro, AL. The students will choose the aggregate population for the basis of their paper. Some of the information from the NSG 4411 Community Assessment Project may be useful in writing this paper, however, do not cut and paste directly from the previous assignment. (See below)

The paper has seven parts to it:

1. a. Describe the aggregate’s location using demographic data: You may pull in any
demographics you used from your Community Assessment, such as population, averages,
most common occupations, race, and education and income levels. Remember to
paraphrase the information you have previously written. You should also briefly
describe the aggregate. The idea is to give a snapshot of this aggregate and where this
aggregate lives.
A very helpful website to access is http://factfinder.census.gov/ go to fast access, enter
your community (city, state) then click on “fact sheet” and “people” for details about your
community. You will need to cite this information and list in your references.

b. The environmental and economic conditions really do affect the aggregates’ health care
needs. What are some of the social, economic, and environmental factors that determines
the health status of your aggregate population?

2. Describe the leading causes of death, extent of disability, and morbidity-(illness) for this
aggregate-might not find death for children but could be adults such as heart disease for
obese children. This may be based on census data that you find on the web for this
aggregate, or your own observations of people in that community.

3. Describe the health risk factors or stressors facing this aggregate: This is based on your
own observations and research findings (such as incidence or prevalence of poverty of
children in rural areas and any health risk conditions such as lack of immunizations or
dental care).

4. Discuss three Healthy People 2030 objectives (not topics) which apply to your aggregate:
Go to the Healthy People 2030 | health.gov website and you will see
a list of topics from A-Z. Each topic area will direct you to a list of objectives. List three
objectives that you identify as health risks facing your aggregate and discuss how they
apply to your aggregate. For example, if one of the topics you identify is “Access to Health
Services”, then search under the topic the objective that applies to your aggregate.
Objective AHS-3, “Increase the proportion of persons with a usual primary care provider”
because the aggregate population lives in a rural community and there are limited
healthcare providers, the nearest facility is….

5. Review the Healthy People Midcourse Reviews 2010 from Healthy People 2020, and compare progress, if any, in the topic/objectives you have chosen from Healthy People 2030.

6. Identify the one Healthy People 2030 objective (from the 3 you chose) you feel to be
the most pertinent to your aggregate, identify, and discuss a strategy to promote health for
this aggregate through inter- and intra-professional communication. You would select the
objective that most closely applies to your aggregate and discuss a plan of action to be
optimized through communication practices that would benefit your aggregate population.

7. Using three research-based articles from peer-reviewed Journals published within the last
five (5) years (see examples of research under APA information). Cite three (3)
interventions for improving the health status of the residents of your assigned aggregate
based on the Healthy People 2030 objective you chose as the most pertinent.
Example: Objective AHS-3 was the most pertinent, what interventions are being done to
improve access or reduce costs? The Healthy People 2020 website (#4) also provides some
of this information under the Interventions & Resources tab.

________________________________

Healthy People Paper

Name
CourseName
Professor’s Name
Institution
Date

Healthy People Paper
The Aggregate
According to the United States Census Bureau’s data, Hurtsboro, AL, is a small rural town with approximately 480 residents (Data USA, 2020). A small number of other ethnic groups are present, and African Americans make up the majority of the population. Most of the population works in farming and other related occupations, supporting the town’s economy. Hurtsboro’s income is significantly lower than the national average, indicating the local economy’s difficulties. Additionally, access to high-quality educational resources is limited, and education levels are lower than the national average (Data USA, 2020). The aggregate of impoverished children represents the community’s most vulnerable group. These young people frequently experience socioeconomic disadvantages, such as restricted access to medical care, wholesome food, and educational opportunities.
Social, Economic, and Environmental Factors Affecting Health
Various social, economic, and environmental factors strongly correlate with poor children’s health status in Hurtsboro, Alabama. Poverty is a significant factor in determining health since it limits access to necessities like healthcare, wholesome food, secure housing, and a good education. Families may find it difficult to escape these circumstances due to the community’s lack of economic opportunities, which can contribute to the cycle of poverty. Lack of access to healthcare facilities in rural areas like Hurtsboro causes children in need to receive delayed or insufficient medical care. Environmental factors like poor housing conditions, exposure to pollution, and a lack of recreational opportunities may influence health disparities among underprivileged children.
The leading causes of death, extent of disability, and morbidity-(illness)
For this group, childhood obesity is a significant concern. A higher prevalence of food insecurity and limited access to nutrient-dense food can raise children’s obesity risks. Obesity is linked to several health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, joint issues, and a higher risk of respiratory illnesses. Increased environmental exposures and unfavorable housing conditions are other factors that raise the risk of respiratory illnesses in children. Mold, poor indoor air quality, and exposure to secondhand smoke can all exacerbate respiratory and bronchial conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Due to crowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare, children who live in poverty have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases like skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and upper respiratory infections. Economic pressures, a lack of social support networks, and restricted access to mental health resources can all be factors in children’s and adults’ mental health issues. There may be a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in this population. Adults in the community may be at risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and hypertension, while childhood deaths may be less familiar. Poor diet, inactivity, and access to health care are some factors that can contribute to these conditions.
Health risk factors and stressors
Poverty significantly influences health, affecting access to necessities like adequate nutrition. Many kids in Hurtsboro, where many impoverished families live, struggle with food insecurity. This implies that they might only sometimes have access to enough food that is nutritious. These kids are at risk for undernutrition, developmental delays, and stunted growth. Contrarily, food insecurity can also contribute to childhood obesity because it may be easier to access affordable, calorie-dense, but low-nutrient foods than fresh fruits and vegetables.
The community’s financial difficulties frequently result in constrained access to healthcare services. Due to high transportation costs or the need for nearby healthcare facilities, families may require more health insurance or face access challenges. As a result, medical care is delayed, there are more trips to the emergency room, and more illnesses go untreated. Preventive care and routine checkups for children’s health may need to be addressed. Childhood immunization rates may be lower due to a lack of access to medical facilities. This population is susceptible to diseases like measles, mumps, and pertussis that vaccination can prevent. Insufficient vaccination coverage puts Individual children in danger, which also weakens community immunity and raises the risk of disease outbreaks.
Children and their families may experience chronic stress due to economic instability and housing insecurity. This ongoing stress significantly impacts mental health and may cause conditions like anxiety and depression in children. Additionally, as a coping mechanism for handling stressors, behavioral issues can develop. In Hurtsboro, many kids do not have access to dental care, which leads to problems with their teeth, like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Dental issues that go untreated can cause pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health problems that lower the quality of life for kids.
Healthy People 2030 objectives
1. AHS-1 – Increase the proportion of persons accessing rapidly responding poison control centers.
Because children are more likely to be exposed to poisons in rural areas and because there is less access to healthcare, this objective is pertinent to the entire Hurtsboro population. Poisoning incidents can be more frequent in areas with insufficient access to healthcare and environmental health services, so quick access to poison control centers is essential for preventing and mitigating them.
2. AHS-6 – Increase the proportion of persons with access to primary care services.
Hurtsboro is a rural community, so access to primary care services presents a significant challenge for this population. The healthcare requirements of the underprivileged children in this community align with objective AHS-6. Access to primary care can be facilitated by more healthcare facilities, reduced transportation barriers, and financial limitations. The early detection and management of these children’s health conditions can be aided by improving access to primary care services, improving their health outcomes.
3. MICH-3 – Increase the proportion of children aged 6 years and older who have an annual dental visit.
In Hurtsboro, access to dental care is frequently an issue. The fact that Objective MICH-3 emphasizes the significance of pediatric dental checkups regularly makes it especially relevant. Due to financial constraints or the need for close-by dental providers, poor children may need more access to dental care. The prevention of dental health problems, which can affect other body systems if untreated, depends on routine dental examinations. In this context, encouraging yearly dental visits is in line with the well-being of kids.
Progress from Healthy People 2020
The Healthy People initiative’s fifth iteration, Healthy People 2030, is intended to build on knowledge and lessons discovered from the previous four iterations, including Healthy People 2020. The ongoing dedication to establishing national health goals and objectives to address altering public health challenges reflects progress. The significant influence that social determinants of health have on well-being is also acknowledged by Healthy People 2030 (Ochiai et al., 2021). The relationship between social, economic, and environmental determinants of health is better understood, and strategies to address these determinants have been developed. Despite being linked to evidence-based interventions, developmental objectives represent high-priority public health issues for which there is currently a need for valid baseline data (Ochiai et al., 2021).
Most Pertinent Healthy People 2030 Objective
The majority of the children living in poverty in Hurtsboro, Alabama’s rural community, are most in need of Objective AHS-6, “Increase the proportion of persons with access to primary care services.” A fundamental aspect of healthcare that significantly impacts this vulnerable population’s well-being is access to primary care. Establishing community health outreach programs with nurses, doctors, and social workers who can conduct routine health screenings, health education sessions, and vaccination clinics in Hurtsboro is one efficient way to promote access to primary care for children there (Xu et al., 2022). Telehealth services help increase access to primary care in rural areas like Hurtsboro. The services encourage using telehealth platforms to link medical professionals with clients and their families, facilitating consultations, tracking chronic conditions, and offering guidance on preventive care.
To ensure coordinated and patient-centered care, effective communication within healthcare teams is also crucial (Xu et al., 2022). To ensure that children receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical and mental health, healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners, should hold regular team meetings to discuss patients’ needs, share information, and develop care plans. Avoiding duplicate tests, ensuring referral follow-up, and raising the standard of care are all benefits of using electronic health records (EHRs) and platforms for shared patient data.
Interventions
Telehealth and telemedicine have become more prevalent recently, particularly in underserved and rural areas. With the aid of these technologies, medical professionals can now remotely provide consultations, monitoring, and follow-up care. Telehealth interventions have improved access to primary care services, especially in regions with a weak healthcare infrastructure (Barbosa et al., 2021). Studies have looked at how well telehealth manages chronic conditions, offers mental health services, and boosts the use of preventive care.
Community health workers have educated neighborhood members who can act as a link between locals and healthcare resources (Van Iseghem et al., 2023). CHW programs have been implemented to advance health education, make it easier for underserved populations to access primary care, and enhance health outcomes. According to research, CHWs are effective at improving healthcare access, decreasing healthcare disparities, and increasing the use of primary care among vulnerable populations.
School-based health clinics are establishments inside or close to schools that offer various medical services to students and, occasionally, their families. These clinics provide easy access to primary care, wellness programs, vaccinations, and preventive services. Studies have shown that school-based health clinics can improve access for kids and teenagers to primary care services, especially in underserved and low-income areas.

References
Barbosa, W., Zhou, K., Waddell, E., Myers, T., & Dorsey, E. R. (2021). Improving access to care: Telemedicine across medical domains. Annual Review of Public Health, 42(1), 463–481. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090519-093711
Data USA. (2020). Hurtsboro, AL. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/hurtsboro-al
Ochiai, E., Blakey, C., McGowan, A., & Lin, Y. (2021). The evolution of the healthy people initiative: A look through the decades. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 27(Supplement 6). https://doi.org/10.1097/phh.0000000000001377
Van Iseghem, T., Jacobs, I., Vanden Bossche, D., Delobelle, P., Willems, S., Masquillier, C., & Decat, P. (2023). The role of community health workers in primary healthcare in the WHO-EU region: A scoping review. International Journal for Equity in Health, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-023-01944-0
Xu, Y., Wang, L., Yang, W., Cai, Y., Gao, W., Tao, T., & Fan, C. (2022). Problem mechanism and solution strategy of rural children’s Community Inclusion—the role of peer environment and Parental Community Participation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.772362