Choose a health issue or problem pertinent to a specific population experiencing a health disparity. In a 1,500-1,750-word paper, discuss the factors that contribute to the health issue, identify a theory

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss different factors that contribute to the health issue and identify a theory or model that relates to the health issue.

Choose a health issue or problem pertinent to a specific population experiencing a health disparity. In a 1,500-1,750-word paper, discuss the factors that contribute to the health issue, identify a theory or model that relates to the health issue, and propose a health promotion intervention to improve health outcomes. You may use any relevant resources from your Annotated Bibliography from Topic 3 for support. Include the following components:

1. Introduction: Provide a concise synopsis of the purpose of the paper and a general introduction to the selected health issue and affected target population.
2. Relationship Between Health Issue and Target Population: Provide a description of the target population that you have selected, including demographic information about the population. Describe the relationship between the selected health issue and the target population you chose that is affected by the health issue.
3. Contributing Factors/Social Determinants of Health: Describe the reasons or causes for the health issue. Analyze how social, cultural, behavioral, spiritual/religious factors, and psychological factors contribute to the health issue among this population and the health disparity experienced by the population.
4. Health Inequities Among Social-Ecological Levels: Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities, and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community, and societal levels.
5. Theory or Model: Identify the theory or model that best explains the behaviors associated with the health issue selected, as well as best matches the level of interaction for contributing factors. Discuss how this theory or model applies to the health issue you are addressing and provide a rationale for choosing this theory. Describe examples of how this theory has been used successfully in the research literature.
6. Conclusion: Describe health promotion strategies or behavior change strategies to reduce health disparities and health inequity related to the health issue among this population.

You are required to cite at least five sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the discussion question criteria and public health content.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

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Expert Answer and Explanation

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Low-Income Populations

The chosen health issue or problem pertinent to particular population is cardiovascular disease prevention in low-income populations. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally and presents a pronounced burden in economically disadvantaged communities (Giovanni et al., 2020). Individuals in low-income settings face unique challenges, including limited access to health services, financial constraints, food insecurity, and limited health literacy, all of which contribute to an increased risk of CVD. This paper explores the relationship between CVD and low-income populations, examines contributing social determinants, identifies structural inequities that affect this population, and proposes a Social Ecological Model (SEM)-based intervention to address these disparities effectively.

Relationship Between Health Issue and Target Population

The target population for this analysis includes adults in low-income communities, a demographic group that consistently demonstrates higher rates of CVD due to compounded health and socioeconomic factors (Cole & Nguyen, 2020). According to recent studies, individuals in these communities often lack access to affordable healthcare services, making it difficult to obtain early diagnoses or to engage in preventive care measures.

Low-income populations are also disproportionately affected by chronic stressors, such as unemployment, housing instability, and limited access to nutritious food, all of which are closely linked to poor cardiovascular health (Cole & Nguyen, 2020). Due to these factors, members of this demographic face a considerably higher risk of developing hypertension, obesity, and other risk factors for CVD at a younger age compared to individuals in higher socioeconomic brackets.

The exposure to various health risk factors is influenced by demographic variables, including race, education level, and geographic location. In the United States, minority populations within low-income groups, particularly African American and Hispanic communities, experience CVD at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts. This disparity has roots in the historical and systemic inequalities faced by these communities, including segregation, underfunded public services, and lack of employment opportunities (Cole & Nguyen, 2020).

Additionally, the geographic location of many low-income individuals, often in urban or rural “food deserts,” limits their access to fresh, healthy food, leading to diets that contribute to the development of hypertension and obesity. Consequently, addressing CVD within this population requires a focus on socioeconomic barriers and culturally specific interventions that resonate with these communities.

The relationship between CVD and low-income populations also highlights the importance of public health initiatives that address preventive care and health education within these communities. With the limited availability of primary healthcare services, many individuals in low-income settings do not have regular check-ups that could aid in early detection and management of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol (Cole & Nguyen, 2020). This gap in preventive care contributes to the late-stage diagnoses frequently seen in these populations, leading to more severe health complications and increased healthcare costs. A targeted approach that prioritizes preventive care, health education, and community resources is essential in mitigating these issues and reducing the overall burden of CVD within this population.

Contributing Factors/Social Determinants of Health

The prevalence of CVD in low-income populations can be traced to various social determinants of health, including limited financial resources, environmental stressors, behavioral factors, and cultural norms. Socioeconomic factors significantly influence access to quality healthcare, as individuals in low-income communities often cannot afford health insurance, leading to delayed medical care and unmanaged chronic health conditions (Leung et al., 2023).

Additionally, individuals in these communities frequently work in low-paying, physically demanding jobs that may lack benefits, leading to heightened stress levels and increased risks for conditions such as hypertension, which are precursors to CVD. Financial stress, often accompanied by inadequate housing, also contributes to poor health outcomes, as constant worry about basic needs exacerbates chronic stress and negatively impacts cardiovascular health.

Environmental factors also play a substantial role, as many low-income neighborhoods are classified as “food deserts,” where fresh, nutritious food is either unavailable or unaffordable (Leung et al., 2023). Instead, residents often rely on convenience stores and fast-food restaurants that offer cheaper, high-calorie, and low-nutrient foods, which increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and, consequently, cardiovascular disease. The lack of safe spaces for physical activity in these communities also limits opportunities for exercise, further compounding the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles.

Behavioral factors, such as smoking and dietary choices, are also prominent contributors to CVD among low-income individuals. Smoking rates are often higher in low-income populations due to increased stress, targeted advertising by tobacco companies, and limited access to smoking cessation resources (Leung et al., 2023). Additionally, the high cost of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can push individuals toward cheaper, processed foods that are high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Cultural norms also play a role in shaping dietary habits, as certain traditional foods, while culturally significant, may not align with heart-healthy recommendations.

Health Inequities Among Social-Ecological Levels

Structural biases, social inequities, and systemic racism create formidable barriers to achieving health equity, particularly in low-income populations. At the organizational level, healthcare systems in underserved areas are often under-resourced, leading to a shortage of medical professionals, long wait times, and inadequate preventive services. This lack of infrastructure limits low-income individuals’ ability to receive consistent, high-quality care, making it more challenging to manage CVD risk factors effectively (Yang et al., 2022). Many healthcare facilities do not provide culturally competent care, which can lead to misunderstandings between patients and providers and prevent patients from seeking necessary care.

At the community level, social inequities manifest in the form of inadequate community resources, such as underfunded schools, limited public transportation, and poor housing conditions. These issues create a cascade effect, reducing educational and economic opportunities and thereby perpetuating the cycle of poverty and poor health. Communities of color within low-income areas are disproportionately affected by these inequities, with systemic racism limiting opportunities for economic mobility and better health outcomes (Yang et al., 2022). These practices continue to affect health outcomes, as communities that were once redlined still experience high rates of poverty and limited resources.

On a societal level, policies that fail to address healthcare access disparities contribute to the persistence of these inequities. Policies that limit Medicaid expansion, for instance, disproportionately impact low-income populations who rely on public health insurance for access to basic healthcare services (Yang et al., 2022). Discriminatory practices in the job market and housing sector perpetuate economic disparities, creating environments where poor health is almost inevitable due to a lack of resources. Addressing CVD in low-income populations, therefore, requires not only healthcare interventions but also societal changes that address the broader issues of social and economic justice.

Theory or Model

The Social Ecological Model (SEM) offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing CVD in low-income populations (Pahn & Yang, 2021). SEM posits that health behaviors are influenced by multiple levels of interaction, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal levels. This model is especially relevant to CVD prevention as it considers how individual behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, are shaped by the broader social and economic environment. Health interventions can be designed to address individual risk factors and the structural determinants that influence health behaviors.

SEM emphasizes the importance of education on lifestyle modifications, such as healthy eating and physical activity at the individual level. Be that as it may, the interpersonal level depicts how interventions can leverage social support networks, encouraging family and community involvement in making healthier lifestyle choices (Pahn & Yang, 2021). The organizational level of SEM supports the need for workplace wellness programs and healthcare facilities that provide preventive services tailored to the needs of low-income populations.

At the community level, creating accessible parks, recreational areas, and affordable grocery stores aligns with SEM’s approach to enhancing community resources (Byambasuren et al., 2023). Policies that expand access to healthcare and improve living conditions align with the model’s goal of addressing health disparities comprehensively at the societal level.

SEM has been successfully applied in public health research to address chronic diseases, including CVD, by implementing multi-level interventions that address the broader determinants of health. For example, studies have shown that community-based programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating, supported by local policies that enhance food access, lead to meaningful improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes among low-income populations (Pahn & Yang, 2021). SEM provides a holistic approach to reducing CVD risk and promoting sustainable health behaviors within vulnerable populations.

Health Promotion Intervention

To reduce CVD rates in low-income populations, a multi-level intervention based on the SEM framework is proposed. At the individual level, community health workers can conduct workshops focused on nutrition, smoking cessation, and stress management to provide education on preventing CVD (Nielsen et al., 2021). These sessions could offer personalized guidance on making heart-healthy choices that are realistic within financial constraints, such as selecting affordable, nutrient-dense foods.

The program could include handouts, demonstrations, and culturally relevant recipes to support dietary changes without sacrificing cultural values. Collaborating with local governments to create or improve public parks and walking trails would encourage physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health (Nielsen et al., 2021). Policymakers could also support subsidized housing initiatives that improve living conditions and reduce stressors associated with financial insecurity.

Conclusion

Addressing cardiovascular disease in low-income populations requires a multifaceted approach that accounts for social, economic, and environmental influences. Utilizing the Social Ecological Model as a framework for intervention allows for a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing health behaviors and provides a structure for implementing effective health promotion strategies. Implementing these strategies has the potential to foster lasting changes in health behaviors and create healthier communities, ultimately contributing to health equity across socioeconomic levels.

References

Byambasuren, O., Hattingh, L., Jones, M., Obuccina, M., Craig, L., Clark, J., … & Cardona, M. (2023). Two decades of overuse and underuse of interventions for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review. Current Problems in Cardiology, 48(3), 101529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101529

Cole, M. B., & Nguyen, K. H. (2020). Unmet social needs among low‐income adults in the United States: Associations with health care access and quality. Health services research, 55, 873-882. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13555

Giovanni, A., Enrico, A., Aime, B., Michael, B., Marianne, B., Jonathan, C., … & Mayowa, O. (2020). Global Burden of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: update from the GBD 2019 study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 76(25), 2982-3021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.010

Leung, E., Parker, T., Kelley, A., & Blankenship, J. C. (2023). Social determinants of incidence, outcomes, and interventions of cardiovascular disease risk factors in American Indians and Alaska Natives. World Medical & Health Policy, 15(4), 414-434. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.556

Nielsen, R. E., Banner, J., & Jensen, S. E. (2021). Cardiovascular disease in patients with severe mental illness. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 18(2), 136-145. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-020-00463-7

Pahn, J., & Yang, Y. (2021). Factors associated with cardiovascular disease prevention behavior among office workers based on an ecological model. Sage Open, 11(1), https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211004163

Yang, C. J., Wang, D. M., Wang, T., & Song, Y. (2022). Research on risk factors of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in postmenopausal women based on the social-ecological model. European Journal of Medical Research, 27(1), 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-022-00734-8

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FAQs:

What are the issues of health disparities?

Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare among different populations, often driven by social, economic, and environmental factors. Key issues include:

1. Unequal Access to Care: Limited access to healthcare services due to cost, location, or insurance coverage.
2. Social Determinants of Health: Factors like poverty, education, housing, and employment that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
3. Systemic Inequities: Racial, ethnic, and gender biases within healthcare systems.
4. Chronic Disease Burden: Higher rates of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer in underserved populations.
5. Health Literacy: Lack of understanding about health information and services. Addressing these issues requires targeted policies, community interventions, and equitable resource allocation to reduce disparities and improve health equity.

What is the best example of a health disparity?

A common example of a health disparity is the higher rate of diabetes among low-income and minority populations due to limited access to healthcare, nutritious food, and preventive resources. These disparities highlight systemic inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.

What are the three known disparities associated with the health of the specific population?

Three Known Health Disparities in Specific Populations
Health disparities often affect marginalized groups. Three common disparities include:

1. Higher Chronic Disease Rates – Minority and low-income populations experience higher rates of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
2. Limited Access to Healthcare – Rural and underserved communities face barriers to medical services and preventive care.
3. Higher Infant Mortality Rates – Some racial and ethnic groups have disproportionately higher infant mortality due to socioeconomic and healthcare access factors.