NR 443 Week 1 Discussion
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-443 RN Community Health Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
Discussion Question
There are numerous factors that influence whether individuals experience good health or illness. This week’s focus is on social factors and determinants of health that impact overall well-being. To better understand these influences, it is important to explore conditions within our own communities.
Step 1: Gathering Demographic Data
To begin, visit the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts website.
- Enter your local zip code, city, or county to obtain the most specific data available.
- Identify and record the following information:
- Total population
- Median household income
- Percentage or number of persons living in poverty
Step 2: Collecting Grocery Price Data
Visit a local grocery store (or use a flyer/app) to obtain food price information. Record the store’s name, city, and state. Include whether items are organic and provide the prices for:
| Grocery Item | Price | Organic? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon of milk | ||
| 1 loaf of bread | ||
| 1 bag of apples (price per pound) | ||
| 1 bag of carrots | ||
| 1 large container of yogurt | ||
| 1 two-liter bottle of soda | ||
| 1 bag of chips | ||
| 1 package of cookies |
Step 3: Analyzing the Data
Using the collected data, analyze social factors that may influence grocery purchasing patterns in your community. Be specific about location, availability, poverty levels, and cultural influences.
Step 4: Applying Public Health Interventions
Discuss how a Community Health Nurse (CHN) could use one of the 17 intervention categories from the Public Health Intervention Wheel (Nies & McEwen, 2019) to address food security concerns.
Data from Artesia, California
I live in Artesia, California, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, has a total population of 16,601 residents. The median household income is $67,647, and approximately 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Artesia is primarily composed of single-family homes with a strong middle-income presence, whereas the neighboring city of Norwalk features more multi-family homes and a wider income disparity ranging from middle class to low-income households.
This demographic difference influences health-related outcomes, as income, education, and living environments directly shape access to nutritious food and overall lifestyle habits.
Grocery Price Comparison
Two grocery stores in the area were surveyed: 99 Ranch Market (an Asian supermarket) and Stater Bros. Markets (a mainstream American grocery store). Prices reflect differences in target demographics and product demand.
NR 443 Week 1 Discussion
| Grocery Item | 99 Ranch Price | Stater Bros Price | Organic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon of milk | $5.29 | $3.99 | No |
| 1 loaf of bread | $3.49 | $2.99 | No |
| 1 bag of apples (per pound) | $2.79 | $1.89 | No |
| 1 bag of carrots | $1.69 | $1.29 | No |
| 1 large container of yogurt | $6.49 | $4.99 | No |
| 1 two-liter soda | $2.59 | $1.49 | No |
| 1 bag of chips | $4.99 | $3.99 | No |
| 1 package of cookies | $3.99 | $2.99 | No |
Social Factors Influencing Grocery Purchases
Economic Disparities
Income levels strongly determine where residents shop and which products they purchase. For example, residents with higher disposable income may prioritize specialty or imported products, even at higher prices, while lower-income households may seek budget-friendly alternatives. The fact that 99 Ranch carries many cultural and specialty items also means certain products, such as dairy, are priced higher due to lower turnover rates.
Cultural Preferences and Store Stocking
Stores in diverse areas tend to stock products that cater to the cultural and dietary habits of their predominant clientele. For example, 99 Ranch stocks a wide selection of Asian condiments, seafood, and produce not typically found at Stater Bros. Conversely, Stater Bros offers a broader selection of American-brand snacks and beverages. This reflects how cultural demand drives product availability, influencing consumer choice.
Public Health Intervention: Food Security
A Community Health Nurse could apply the “Surveillance” intervention from the Public Health Intervention Wheel to monitor food access, affordability, and consumption patterns within Artesia. Regular data collection on food pricing trends, household income levels, and nutrition availability would allow health officials to identify emerging food security concerns. Based on this data, targeted programs such as subsidized farmers’ markets, nutrition workshops, or partnerships with food banks could be implemented to improve access to healthy foods for vulnerable populations.
References
Census Bureau. (2021). QuickFacts: United States. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219
Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Public health interventions: Applications for public health nursing practice. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/research/phncouncil/docs/PHInterventions.pdf
NR 443 Week 1 Discussion
Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). Elsevier.