Reference no: EM132987924

The countries in Europe present a variety of lessons on population health. Sweden is among the healthiest countries, while health in Denmark (another Scandinavian nation) is about as poor as in the United States. Reasons for Denmark's status likely relate to women entering the workforce in temporary low-paying jobs in the 1960s and 70s and subsequently getting laid off. French women enjoy a large health advantage over French men. Scotland has poor population health outcomes. The European Union (EU) is focusing its attention on health inequalities as a possible explanation for the fact that sub-populations within nations do not achieve the health outcomes enjoyed by others in those same nations. This suggests that health care may not be so important in producing positive health outcomes.

This week, you examine these differences and explore the efforts of the EU DETERMINE Consortium to address the health gradient and improve health equity. You also examine population health status as it relates to health systems in the EU and as it relates to EU policy.

Question 1: Post a brief comparison of the health status of the two EU countries you selected with that of the U.S. Then, describe two efforts in those EU countries to reduce health inequities. Explain what lessons can be learned from the EU efforts you selected that can be implemented in the U.S. nationally or by individual states. Explain how the community you live in might adapt these interventions. Expand on your insights utilizing the Learning Resources.