Practicum: Population Cultural Considerations and Genetic Predispositions
Overview: This week, you’ll identify any genetic predisposition your chosen population has to a particular disease and develop primary practice interventions that reflect the cultural considerations of the population. Then, you’ll develop culturally appropriate, measureable interventions to help your population members maintain an optimal state of health, avoiding the problem that you identified them being at risk for developing.
Practicum Discussion: Culturally aware nurses recognize that states of health are revealed differently across cultures and ethnicities. Culture and ethnic background will affect the way each individual responds to health, illness, and death (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). These nurses are also aware of their own biases, which may affect the care they provide to others (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). Because most nurses work in institutions with individual patients, they are accustomed to delivering culturally competent care on a one-on-one basis. When a public health nurse deals with a population, he or she must consider how the population culture affects the ways in which the community nurse may interact. This can be with regard to the provision of education or mass health care needs such as those required in a foodborne illness, if mass vaccinations are needed for a communicable disease outbreak, or if education is required to prevent heart disease. In addition to understanding the nuances of the culture of a population, community health nurses must understand the role genetics play in health. Some disorders, such as glaucoma and diabetes, have a genetic link, as do some cancers, such as breast and ovarian.
Please discuss the following questions in your Practicum Discussion:
- Provide a few examples of community resources that should be put in place to assist your population in resolving their health care needs. What gaps in service do you see that affect your population?
- Are there any cultural considerations that might inform your approach to caring for this population?
- Does your population have a genetic predisposition to the health care problem you have identified?
- Identify at least one evidence-based, culturally competent behavior change that would promote health for your selected population and for the specific health care problem you are addressing?
Post your response to this Discussion.
Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature.
* my chosen population is childhood obesity
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this discussion, we will be focusing on the topic of childhood obesity and how cultural considerations and genetic predispositions play a role in addressing this health issue. As a medical professor, it is essential to understand the community resources that should be put in place to assist the population in resolving their health care needs, the cultural considerations for caring for this population, the genetic predisposition to obesity, and evidence-based, culturally competent behavior change that would promote health for this specific population.
1. Provide a few examples of community resources that should be put in place to assist your population in resolving their health care needs. What gaps in service do you see that affect your population?
Community resources play a vital role in addressing childhood obesity. The resources that should be put in place include access to healthy foods, safe and affordable places for physical activity, and educational programs for parents and children on healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. However, some gaps in service that affect this population include limited access to healthy foods in some neighborhoods, lack of safe and well-maintained parks and recreation areas in certain areas, and inadequate education on healthy lifestyle changes.
2. Are there any cultural considerations that might inform your approach to caring for this population?
Yes, cultural considerations are essential when caring for populations affected by childhood obesity. For example, some cultures might have traditional foods that are high in calories, and changing dietary habits might be challenging. Additionally, some cultural traditions might limit physical activity or require certain dress codes that may make exercise challenging. Therefore, it is essential to consider cultural practices in the development of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles.
3. Does your population have a genetic predisposition to the health care problem you have identified?
Yes, obesity has a genetic link, and some individuals might have a higher risk of becoming obese due to genetic factors. However, it is essential to understand that genetic factors are only part of the problem, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity also play a crucial role.
4. Identify at least one evidence-based, culturally competent behavior change that would promote health for your selected population and for the specific health care problem you are addressing?
An evidence-based culturally competent behavior change that would promote health for children with obesity is increased physical activity. Incorporating culturally relevant activities, such as traditional dances, games, and sports, can help children feel more engaged and motivated to participate in physical activities. Additionally, involving parents and caregivers in the activities can improve the chances of success in promoting healthy behaviors in children.
