Public Health Assignment Sample

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Introduction - Public Health Assignment

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DB A

The problem of substance abuse, particularly opioid addiction, is a current public health hazard that is pervasive in many communities throughout the world, including my own. The destructive effects of opioid addiction on people, families, and communities result in higher mortality rates, criminality, and overburdened healthcare systems (Medlineplus.gov, 2022).

Focus would be placed on building structured programmes and services, such as addiction treatment facilities, rehabilitation programmes, and support groups in order to address this public health issue from a community-organization perspective. Implementing evidence-based interventions, ensuring treatment accessibility, and coordinating efforts among numerous stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and governmental organisations would be the main focus. Systematic planning, resource allocation, and the formulation of precise protocols and norms would all be part of this strategy.

A community-building strategy, on the other hand, would promote a sense of community and social cohesiveness (Lai, Zhou and Yuan, 2021). To lessen the stigma attached to addiction, this would include programmes for community education, peer support networks, and community involvement activities. The emphasis would be on raising awareness, providing a supportive atmosphere for people in recovery, and empowering community members to take ownership of the issue (Samhsa.gov, 2022).

While each strategy has advantages, it is likely that a combination of the two will be the most successful in treating opiate addiction. While the community-building strategy would aid in lowering the social stigma and ensuring the availability of necessary services and treatment alternatives, the community-organization strategy would make sure that these things were available (World Health Organization 2022). Combining these strategies would make it possible to develop a holistic system that not only takes care of the afflicted individuals' immediate needs but also builds a welcoming and understanding neighbourhood environment that encourages long-term healing and well-being.

DB- B

The Social Norms Theory is particularly suitable for this research topic because it delves into the social context and how norms and expectations influence behavior (LaMorte, 2022). Given the historical, cultural, and societal factors affecting the mental health of African Americans in urban settings, the theory provides a suitable framework for understanding how social norms contribute to the perpetuation of mental health issues within these communities.

The Social Norms Theory addresses social determinants of health by emphasizing how societal norms, cultural beliefs, and social expectations shape individual behaviour and influence mental health outcomes (Tomaszewski, 2018). It recognizes the role of community influences, cultural values, and social structures in either promoting or inhibiting mental well-being within the context of African-American communities in urban environments.

Although the Social Norms Theory acknowledges the influence of social factors on behaviour, it may not comprehensively address the larger systemic and structural factors that contribute to health disparities. These factors include institutional racism, economic inequalities, and disparities in healthcare access (Ndugga and Artiga, 2023). Hence, it is possible that the aforementioned theory does not comprehensively encompass the extent to which social determinants of health impact the mental well-being of African Americans residing in metropolitan environments.

In order to enhance its integration of social determinants of health, the Social Norms Theory could benefit from incorporating a more comprehensive comprehension of the ways in which historical and systemic factors, including racial discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural marginalisation, contribute to the formation of social norms and exert an influence on mental health outcomes within urban African American communities (Chelak and Chakole, 2023).

Understanding how socioeconomic determinants of health, social capital in community systems, and the research topic of mental health among African Americans living in urban environments connect is crucial (Alegra et al., 2018). The availability of mental health resources and services in these locations is significantly impacted by socioeconomic determinants of health such as economic security, educational opportunities, and healthcare access. Additionally, the presence or absence of social capital, such as social support networks and community solidarity, has an impact on how the social determinants of health affect the mental health of African Americans in urban contexts (Chelak and Chakole, 2023). In order to create effective rules and policies that work to enhance mental health equity across various communities, for that, it is crucial to recognise and address these linked factors.

DB -3 

Identification of the Intervention

The parent education programme is focused on juvenile sexual health in Michigan is d as "Empowering Parents for Youth Sexual Health." With the help of this adequate curriculum, parents can access to a wide range of resources that will enable them to have in-depth discussions with their adolescent children on sexual health and reproductive wellbeing. The main goal of the curriculum is to reduce communication barriers and provide parents the tools they need to become their children's primary sources of trustworthy through which they can easily available sexual health knowledge. This is mainly promoted by offering a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment.

The programme has been offering a diverse range of tools and resources, such as comprehensive workshops, educational materials, and online courses, all aimed at addressing the distinct needs and concerns of parents residing in Michigan (Sutton, 2021). The resources are provided diverse area of topics promoting the significance of practising safe sexual behaviour, strategies for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the importance of regular testing, and the promotion of healthy and fulfilling relationships. The training has been guidance on effectively addressing sensitive matters pertaining to sexual health, considering cultural factors, and understanding the diverse perspectives prevalent within the community.

Theoretical Basis of Intervention

Social Learning Theory

This intervention is based on the Social Learning Theory, which emphasises that young people may change their behaviour if they are given the information and tools they need to understand why changing their behaviour is necessary (Sutton, 2021). The programme attempts to inform parents about good communication techniques, the value of leading by example, and the relevance of encouraging appropriate sexual behaviour. Parents can have a beneficial impact on their children's attitudes and behaviours around sexual health by modelling responsible sexual behaviour and encouraging open communication.

Health Belief Model

By emphasising the perceived hazards connected to engaging in risky sexual behaviours, the intervention is consistent with the health belief model (LaMorte, 2022a). The programme incites parents to share these ideas with their kids by increasing knowledge of the dangers of sexually transmitted illnesses and the advantages of adopting safer sexual practices. The significance of creating a sense of sensitivity to the possible dangers of unprotected sexual activity is underscored by the emphasis on risk reduction and promoting safer behaviour.

Level of Influence Addressed by the Intervention

The intervention works at the social-ecological approach's microsystem level (Woolcott et al., 2019). The programme wants to use the immediate family context to promote thorough sexual health education by focusing on parents as key role models for children. The intervention concentrates on enabling parents to be effective change agents in their children's immediate social environment since it is widely acknowledged that parents have a significant influence on the beliefs, values, and behaviours of their children.

Level of Prevention

The programme places a strong emphasis on primary prevention by actively arming parents with the skills and information they need to have honest and educational conversations about sexual health with their kids. The intervention aims to prevent the onset of risky sexual behaviours and lessen the possibility that young people may develop sexually transmitted infections by encouraging an active strategy centred on education, communication, and risk reduction (Woolcott et al., 2019). The programme aims to create a foundation of responsible sexual decision-making through early education and supervision, ultimately increasing the general sexual health and well-being of teenagers in Michigan.

References

• Alegría, M., NeMoyer, A., Falgàs Bagué, I., Wang, Y. and Alvarez, K. (2018). Social Determinants of Mental Health: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go. Current Psychiatry Reports, [online] 20(11). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0969-9.
• Chelak, K. and Chakole, S. (2023). The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Promoting Health Equality: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33425.
• Lai, S., Zhou, Y. and Yuan, Y. (2021). Associations between Community Cohesion and Subjective Wellbeing of the Elderly in Guangzhou, China—A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the Structural Equation Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), p.953. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030953.
• LaMorte, W. (2022a). The Health Belief Model. [online] Boston University School of Public Health. Available at: https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories2.html [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
• LaMorte, W.W. (2022b). Social Norms Theory. [online] sphweb.bumc.bu.edu. Available at: https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories7.html [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
• Medlineplus.gov (2022). Opioid addiction: MedlinePlus Genetics. [online] medlineplus.gov. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/opioid-addiction/#:~:text=Opioid%20addiction%20is%20characterized%20by [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
• Ndugga, N. and Artiga, S. (2023). Disparities in health and health care: 5 key questions and answers. [online] Kaiser Family Foundation. Available at: https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care-5-key-question-and-answers/.
• Samhsa.gov (2022). EVIDENCE-BASED RESOURCE GUIDE SERIES Community Engagement: An Essential Component of an Effective and Equitable Substance Use Prevention System I Community Engagement: An Essential Component of an Effective and Equitable Substance Use Prevention System Acknowledgments Community Engagement: An Essential Component of an Effective and Equitable Substance Use Prevention System Acknowledgments. [online] Available at: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-06-01-005.pdf.
• Sutton, J. (2021). What Is Bandura’s Social Learning Theory? 3 Examples. [online] PositivePsychology.com. Available at: https://positivepsychology.com/social-learning-theory-bandura/ [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
• Tomaszewski, E. (2018). Addressing the Social and Cultural Norms That Underlie the Acceptance of Violence. [online] Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. doi:https://doi.org/10.17226/25075.
• Woolcott, G., Keast, R., Tsasis, P., Lipina, S. and Chamberlain, D. (2019). Reconceptualising Person-Centered Service Models as Social Ecology Networks in Supporting Integrated Care. International Journal of Integrated Care, 19(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.4222.
• World Health Organization (WHO) (2022). Mental Health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].