NR 717 Week 5 Assignment Population Health Practice Problem
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-717: Concepts in Population Health Outcomes & Health Policy
Prof. Name
Date
NR717 Week 5 Assignment: Population Health Practice Problem
Introduction
Hypertension remains one of the most significant public health issues in the United States, disproportionately affecting African Americans. This paper will explore hypertension within the African American population, highlighting key social determinants of health that contribute to the burden of disease, relevant epidemiological factors, and evidence-based interventions. The purpose of this paper is to analyze hypertension as a national practice problem and propose an intervention aimed at reducing prevalence and improving outcomes among African Americans. Subtopics will include population description, practice problem analysis, epidemiology, Healthy People 2030 goals and objectives, an evidence-based intervention, and evaluation strategies.
Population
The African American community represents one of the largest minority groups in the United States, accounting for approximately 13.6% of the national population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). This population has historically faced health inequities due to structural racism, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic disadvantages.
NR 717 Week 5 Assignment Population Health Practice Problem
Key Social Determinant Risk Factors:
- Socioeconomic status: Lower household income levels reduce access to healthy foods, medications, and healthcare services.
- Access to care: Limited availability of affordable, culturally competent healthcare providers.
- Neighborhood environment: Higher prevalence of food deserts and unsafe neighborhoods reduces opportunities for exercise and healthy eating.
Practice Problem
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major national health problem disproportionately affecting African Americans. Nearly 56% of African American adults have hypertension, compared to 48% of White adults (CDC, 2022). This disparity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and stroke.
At the national level, hypertension contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality rates in African Americans. At the local and regional level, urban communities with high African American populations often experience higher rates due to poverty, environmental stressors, and limited healthcare access. The prevalence highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Epidemiology
Epidemiological principles such as prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates are critical in understanding hypertension within African American populations. Descriptive epidemiology identifies the burden of disease by race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Analytic epidemiology investigates risk factors, such as poor diet, obesity, and stress, that contribute to hypertension.
Surveillance systems such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) provide ongoing monitoring of hypertension prevalence. Such data guide interventions to improve health outcomes. Ethical considerations include ensuring privacy and avoiding stigmatization of African Americans when using surveillance data.
Goal and Objective
Healthy People 2030 Goal: Reduce the proportion of adults with hypertension (Heart Disease and Stroke Objective HDS-04).
SMART Objective: By 2027, reduce the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among African American adults in [your city/state/region] by 10% through community-based health education and improved access to blood pressure screening.
Evidence-Based Population Intervention
One effective evidence-based intervention is community-based blood pressure monitoring and education programs led by barbershop-based health coaches. In a landmark study, Victor et al. (2018) found that African American men who received hypertension education and monitoring at barbershops had significantly lower blood pressure levels than those receiving usual care.
Minnesota Public Health Wheel Location: This intervention aligns with “Health Teaching” and “Community Organization” as it empowers individuals through education while engaging trusted community institutions.
Rationale: Barbershops are culturally significant spaces where African American men feel comfortable. By integrating healthcare services into these trusted environments, the intervention reduces barriers and promotes sustainable blood pressure control.
Evaluation
Evaluation would involve both process and outcome measures:
- Efficiency: Assess participation rates and program costs.
- Effectiveness: Monitor reductions in average blood pressure levels among participants.
- Efficacy: Compare long-term outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and complications, to baseline data.
Data collection could be conducted through community health partnerships and health information exchanges.
Conclusion
Hypertension remains a critical public health issue disproportionately affecting African Americans. Social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and environmental barriers, significantly contribute to its prevalence. Evidence-based interventions, such as barbershop-based health education and monitoring programs, show promise in addressing this disparity. By aligning efforts with Healthy People 2030 goals and implementing culturally tailored interventions, healthcare professionals can reduce the burden of hypertension and improve health outcomes for African Americans.
References
Victor, R. G., Blyler, C. A., Li, N., Lynch, K., Moy, N. B., Rashid, M., … & Elashoff, R. M. (2018). Effectiveness of barbershop-based intervention for improving hypertension control in Black men: a cluster randomized trial. The New England Journal of Medicine, 378(14), 1291–1301. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1717250
NR 717 Week 5 Assignment Population Health Practice Problem
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Hypertension prevalence in the U.S. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: United States. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US