1) Review the descriptions of the ten special populations addressed in Chapter 1 of your course textbook. Identify the three groups you feel are most vulnerable. Explain your reasoning for selecting the groups based on:
- An analysis of the statistical data/trends related to the populations. How did you use data to determine the three most vulnerable populations? Explain your thought process.
- The World Health Organization’s formal definition of “health.” How are the physical, mental, and social aspects of health compromised in these three vulnerable populations in comparison to the others?
- The statistical data and the health compromises identified above. Create a list of at least three health service needs for each vulnerable group you identified.
Your initial contribution should be 250 to 300 words in length. Your research and claims must be supported by your course text and at least one other scholarly source. Use proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
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2) This week’s second discussion forum will focus on two selected groups:
- Vulnerable mothers and children
- People affected by alcohol and substance abuse
Review the video segments titled “Premature Babies: Risks and Costs” (Vulnerable Mothers and Children group) and “Social Cost of Alcohol Abuse” (People Affected by Alcohol and Substance Abuse group) through the Films On Demand database or in the textbook.
- For each segment, select three specific factors from Chapter 2 (e.g., age, gender, culture, ethnicity, education, and income) that are present.
- Reflecting on your experiences and knowledge gained in previous courses, discuss how these factors relate to the group’s vulnerability.
- Based on the selected factors, assess the health care needs that can be inferred for each group. Discuss which approach(es) to care from Chapter 4, Section 4.1 (i.e., preventive, treatment, or long term), might help address them.
Your initial contribution should be 250 to 300 words in length. Your research and claims must be supported by your course text and at least one other scholarly source. Use proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Expert Solution Preview
Question 1:
Introduction: In this question, we will review the descriptions of the ten special populations presented in Chapter 1 of the course textbook and identify the three most vulnerable groups. We will use statistical data and the World Health Organization’s formal definition of health to explain our reasoning for selecting these groups. Additionally, we will create a list of at least three health service needs for each group.
Answer: Based on an analysis of statistical data/trends related to special populations presented in Chapter 1 of the course textbook, I have selected three groups that seem most vulnerable. These three groups are the elderly population, people living in poverty, and individuals with disabilities. According to statistical data, these groups are faced with numerous health disparities and are at higher risk of developing chronic illnesses. For example, elderly people are more likely to experience memory loss and impaired mobility, and those living in poverty may have limited access to healthcare services. Individuals with disabilities may face difficulties in accessing healthcare and are at higher risk of developing secondary health issues.
The World Health Organization’s formal definition of health includes the physical, mental, and social aspects of health. In comparison to other populations, these three vulnerable groups are more likely to experience negative health impacts in one or more of these aspects. For instance, elderly individuals may have difficulty maintaining social connections and experience decreased mental health due to isolation. People living in poverty may experience financial stress and have limited access to nutritious food, leading to compromised physical health. Individuals with disabilities may experience feelings of discrimination and social isolation, which could lead to depression and other mental health issues.
Based on the statistical data and health compromises identified above, I have created a list of at least three health service needs for each vulnerable group:
1. Elderly population: Regular health checkups, home-based services, mental health services to address isolation and depression.
2. People living in poverty: Access to affordable healthcare, healthy food options, and housing assistance.
3. Individuals with disabilities: Accessible healthcare services, assistive technologies, mental health services to address feelings of discrimination and social isolation.
Question 2:
Introduction: This question will focus on two selected groups: vulnerable mothers and children and people affected by alcohol and substance abuse. We will identify three specific factors from Chapter 2 that are present in each group and discuss how these factors relate to the groups’ vulnerability. Additionally, we will assess the health care needs that can be inferred for each group based on the selected factors and discuss which approach(es) to care from Chapter 4, Section 4.1, might help address them.
Answer: The three specific factors from Chapter 2 that are present in the vulnerable mothers and children group are age, gender, and income. The vulnerability of this group is closely related to these factors since mothers and children may not have access to healthcare due to financial reasons. Additionally, gender may play a role in healthcare access, given that mothers may prioritize the health of their children over their own.
The three specific factors present in the people affected by alcohol and substance abuse group are age, education, and income. Young individuals with low education or income levels may be at higher risk of developing alcohol or substance abuse disorders. The vulnerability of this group is related to these factors since addiction issues can cause significant physical and mental health problems, which can lead to a need for healthcare services.
Based on the selected factors, the health care needs that can be inferred for each group include regular checkups and access to counseling services. For vulnerable mothers and children, preventative care can help with early diagnosis and treatment. For people affected by alcohol and substance abuse, a long-term treatment approach might be more appropriate to address addiction issues.
In conclusion, taking a treatment and preventative approach is crucial for addressing the needs of these two vulnerable groups. Healthcare providers should act as advocates for these vulnerable populations and work to ensure they receive the care and resources needed to maintain their health and well-being.
