TOPIC: Community health nursing
SUBJECT: Nursing
TYPE: Essay (any type)
DESCRIPTION:
For this journal: 1. Identify the health inequity and health disparity noted in the media and cite the source. 2. State the incidence, prevalence, and severity of this health disparity that you have identified among subpopulations that are socioeconomically disadvantaged as well as medically underserved in either rural or urban community. 3. Find two evidence-based articles related to your specific issue. 4. Analyze the effect of social determinants on the quality of health related to this inequity. 5. Apply the EBP articles to the current issue in the media that you have identified: Is it relevant? Accurate? What would you add to the media presentation? Does the media accurately portray the health disparity? 6. What specific could community/public health nursing interventions be effective in addressing this issue, specifically addressing all levels of prevention? 7. How does this issue relate to Mercy and Jesuit values?
Introduction:
Health disparities and inequities are significant public health concerns in the United States. One of the health disparities that have been identified in the media is the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations among different racial and ethnic groups. This journal aims to identify the incidence, prevalence, and severity of this health disparity among socioeconomically disadvantaged and medically underserved subpopulations in urban communities. Additionally, this journal will analyze the effect of social determinants on the quality of health related to this inequity, apply evidence-based articles to the current issue in the media, and suggest community/public health nursing interventions that could be effective in addressing this issue.
Health Disparity and Inequity:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people of color and low-income individuals. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to contract COVID-19 and experience severe illness and death than White individuals (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, including those living in rural and urban communities, are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes related to COVID-19 due to limited access to healthcare services and resources (CDC, 2021). The unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations among racial and ethnic groups exacerbates these disparities.
Incidence, Prevalence, and Severity:
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation report, Black and Hispanic individuals have a higher incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 than White individuals. The report also states that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to die from COVID-19 than White individuals (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals living in rural and urban communities have limited access to healthcare services and resources, making them more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes related to COVID-19.
Evidence-Based Articles:
Two evidence-based articles related to this issue are “Racial and Ethnic Disparities Continue in COVID-19 Vaccination Rates” by the Commonwealth Fund and “COVID-19 and Health Equity—A New Kind of “Herd Immunity” by the New England Journal of Medicine. The Commonwealth Fund article states that there is a disparity in COVID-19 vaccination rates among racial and ethnic groups, with White individuals having a higher vaccination rate than Black and Hispanic individuals. The article suggests that efforts to improve vaccine distribution and address vaccine hesitancy among racial and ethnic groups could help reduce disparities (The Commonwealth Fund, 2021). The New England Journal of Medicine article discusses the importance of addressing health equity in the context of COVID-19 and suggests that achieving herd immunity requires addressing social determinants of health and health equity (Nunez-Smith et al., 2021).
Effect of Social Determinants on Health:
Social determinants of health, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, play a significant role in determining health outcomes. Socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals living in rural and urban communities are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes related to COVID-19 due to limited access to healthcare services and resources. Additionally, systemic racism and discrimination contribute to health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, including the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Application of EBP Articles to Media Presentation:
The evidence-based articles are relevant to the current issue in the media and accurately portray the health disparity related to the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations among racial and ethnic groups. To improve the accuracy of media presentations, it is essential to acknowledge the systemic factors that contribute to health disparities and emphasize the need for equitable distribution of healthcare services and resources, including COVID-19 vaccinations.
Community/Public Health Nursing Interventions:
Community/public health nursing interventions that could be effective in addressing this issue include improving access to healthcare services and resources in rural and urban communities, addressing vaccine
