Reference no: EM133640360
Assignment:
In this learning activity review secondary data sources for details about the health of Virginians. Target one Virginia county or community of interest in the following data sources; briefly scan the health assessment information to get a more detailed picture about the health status of Virginians in that specific locale or region. Then, look more closely at the health data concerning 1 of the 5 health ranking determinants below in bold.
By concentrating on the following five determinants, Virginia's health rating might be considerably raised. Enhancing disease surveillance systems, increasing access to preventative care, and funding public health organizations can all contribute to the promotion of general health and wellbeing. Chronic illness risk factors can be decreased by promoting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking through community-based programs, public awareness campaigns, and legislative reforms. Improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities can be achieved by addressing social factors such as poverty, unstable housing, and low levels of education. Increasing underprivileged populations' access to inexpensive healthcare can guarantee prompt detection and treatment of medical disorders. Improving mental health outcomes and general well-being can be achieved through expanding access to mental health services, lowering stigma, and offering care that is culturally sensitive.
Explore the following Learn items
- Statistical Reports and Tables
- County Health Rankings
- SMART: BRFSS City and County Data and Documentation
Following the principles of epidemiologic inquiry, answer the following questions regarding the information uncovered about 1 health determinant in the selected county or community. I.E. discuss a single health determinant, not multiple determinants.
Person: Describe the population expressing the determinant
- How many (percentage of population or rate) are described by this determinant?
- How is the determinant expressed in the population (age, gender, education, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics)?
- Compare segments of the population (who has the most/least, at greatest/least risk)?
Place: Describe the location with regard to the determinant
- Is the determinant seen more in urban or rural regions?
- What other characteristics define the prevalence of the determinant in the region (housing, geography, topography, etc.)?
- Compare other locations with the one you selected (how does prevalence compare in neighboring counties, the state, or the nation)?
Period: Describe the time trends of the determinant
- Over the past few years, has the prevalence rate decreased or increased or stayed about the same? (i.e., is it getting better or worse?)
- Compare the time trends of the state and the nation with those of your location. Are they better, worse, or similar?
Personal location: Describe how the findings in regard to the health determinant compare to the information for the health determinant in the location where you reside.
- Are the trends similar? How do they differ? How are they alike?
Conclusion: From the information you gathered about the health determinant, describe a priority population within the locale you investigated in which to address the health determinant of focus. This will be the focus of a public health intervention you will develop across the remaining learning activities. Compare that to the priority population where you reside. How would addressing the health determinant look similar/look different where you reside versus the locale you chose in Viriginia?