Identifying a Health Care-Related Problem and a Target Population

NURS 8400/ NURS 8400A/ NURS 8400F/ NURS 8400M/ NURS 8400S/ NURS 8400W/ NURS 8400C Week 2: Defining a Problem and a Population essay assignment

One health-promotion and disease-prevention issue that particularly resonates with me is mental health, particularly in underserved or marginalized populations. The problem I would like to focus on is the lack of access to mental health services in these populations, which can lead to poor mental health outcomes and ultimately contribute to health disparities. The target population I would like to focus on is the LGBTQ+ community, as research has shown that this population is at higher risk for mental health issues due to discrimination and stigma.

According to a review of the literature, lack of access to mental health services can have serious consequences for individuals and communities, including increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and other negative outcomes. In the LGBTQ+ community, these consequences may be exacerbated due to the additional barriers to care that this population may face, such as discrimination from healthcare providers or lack of culturally competent services.

One question or concern I have is how to effectively reach and engage this target population in a program. Another concern is how to address the complex and intersecting factors that may contribute to mental health issues in this population, such as discrimination and stigma. I would appreciate any input or guidance from my colleagues on how to address these issues and effectively design and evaluate a program to promote mental health in the LGBTQ+ community.

NURS 8400/ NURS 8400A/ NURS 8400F/ NURS 8400M/ NURS 8400S/ NURS 8400W/ NURS 8400C:Design and Evaluation of Programs and Projects | Week 2 essay assignment

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Identifying a Health Care-Related Problem and a Target Population

Identifying a health care-related problem and a target population is an important first step in addressing health care needs. It involves identifying a specific issue or problem that is impacting the health and well-being of a specific group of people, and determining the best course of action to address that issue.

Some examples of health care-related problems that might be identified might include:

1. Access to care: Some people may not have access to quality health care due to geographic, economic, or social barriers.
2. Chronic disease management: Many people struggle with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, that require ongoing medical attention and management.
3. Mental health: Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are common and can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and well-being.
4. Public health emergencies: Pandemics and other public health emergencies can pose significant threats to the health and well-being of a community.

When identifying a target population, it is important to consider the specific group of people that are most affected by the identified health care-related problem. This could include a specific age group, geographic region, or demographic, such as low-income individuals or racial and ethnic minorities.

Once a health care-related problem and target population have been identified, the next step is to develop a plan to address the issue and address the needs of the target population. This may involve working with community organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that address the identified problem and improve the health and well-being of the target population.

READ: Free Care Plan Examples for a Registered Nurse