Start Date

May 22, 2023, 12:00 AM

Due Date

May 28, 2023, 11:59 PM

Points

200

Assessment Traits(Natives health status essay)

Requires Lopeswrite

Assessment Description

Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander). Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group.

In a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following:

1. Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group?
2. What are the health disparities that exist for this group? What are the nutritional challenges for this group?
3. Discuss the barriers to health for this group resulting from culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors.
4. What health promotion activities are often practiced by this group?
5. Describe at least one approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have selected. Provide an explanation of why it might be the most effective choice.
6. What cultural beliefs or practices must be considered when creating a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population? Why?

Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Course Resources if you need assistance.

 Analyzing the Health Status of Native Americans in the United States Essay Example

Natives health status essay

Introduction:

In the United States, Native Americans constitute a significant ethnic minority group with a rich cultural heritage. However, they have long faced numerous challenges that have adversely affected their health status. This essay aims to analyze the health disparities experienced by Native Americans, examining the underlying factors contributing to these disparities, and proposing potential strategies to address them.(Natives health status essay)

Historical context:

To understand the health status of Native Americans today, it is crucial to recognize the historical context of colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural suppression. These historical factors have had a lasting impact on Native American communities, leading to systemic disadvantages and health disparities. The imposition of foreign diseases, loss of land and resources, disruption of traditional lifestyles, and limited access to healthcare services have contributed to the current health challenges faced by this population.(Natives health status essay)

Health Disparities:

1. Chronic Diseases: Native Americans experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity compared to the general population. These conditions are influenced by a combination of genetic factors, limited access to healthy foods, cultural changes in diet, and insufficient healthcare resources in tribal communities.
2. Mental Health: Native Americans have disproportionately high rates of mental health disorders, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Historical trauma, loss of cultural identity, socioeconomic disparities, and inadequate mental healthcare services contribute to the prevalence of these issues within the community.(Natives health status essay)
3. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is a significant concern among Native Americans, with alcoholism being particularly prevalent. Cultural disconnection, historical trauma, social and economic factors, and limited access to treatment programs contribute to the higher rates of substance abuse in this population.(Natives health status essay)
4. Limited Access to Healthcare: Many Native American communities face geographical isolation, leading to limited access to healthcare facilities and providers. Remote reservations, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and understaffed clinics pose significant barriers to receiving timely and quality healthcare services. (Natives health status essay)

Factors Contributing to Health Disparities:

1. Socioeconomic Factors: Native Americans experience higher poverty rates compared to the general population. Limited job opportunities, low educational attainment, and income disparities hinder access to adequate nutrition, housing, and healthcare, exacerbating health disparities.(Natives health status essay)
2. Cultural Disconnection: The loss of traditional language, customs, and spirituality due to historical assimilation policies has disrupted the cultural fabric of Native American communities. Cultural disconnection contributes to feelings of identity loss and affects the overall well-being and health-seeking behaviors of individuals.(Natives health status essay)
3. Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure: The Indian Health Service (IHS), responsible for providing healthcare to Native Americans, faces chronic underfunding. This results in limited resources, healthcare facilities, and personnel, leading to insufficient coverage and long wait times for essential healthcare services.(Health Status of Native Americans in USA: Essay Example)

Addressing Health Disparities:

1. Culturally Competent Care: Healthcare providers should receive cultural competency training to better understand the unique needs and perspectives of Native American patients. This would foster trust, improve communication, and facilitate the development of tailored healthcare strategies.(Natives health status essay)
2. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Increased investment in the Indian Health Service is necessary to address the disparities in healthcare access. This includes expanding healthcare facilities, improving transportation infrastructure, and increasing the number of healthcare professionals in tribal communities.
3. Empowering Native Communities: Collaborative efforts should focus on empowering Native American communities to take control of their health by integrating traditional healing practices, promoting cultural revitalization, and involving community members in decision-making processes related to healthcare services.(Natives health status essay)
4. Education and Prevention: Raising awareness about healthy lifestyles, preventive measures, and early intervention is essential in reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes within Native American communities. Targeted education campaigns should be culturally sensitive and developed in collaboration with community leaders.

Conclusion:

The health status of Native Americans in the United States reflects a complex interplay of historical, social, and economic factors. Addressing the health disparities faced by this ethnic minority group requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the historical context, promotes cultural revitalization, and strengthens healthcare infrastructure. By implementing these strategies, society can work towards achieving health equity and improving the overall well-being of Native American communities. (Natives health status essay)

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/