Assignment: Psychosocial Factors in Health
Although the United States spends more money per capita on health care delivery, statistics indicate it is not a particularly healthy country. Over 50% of all preventable deaths in the United States are a result of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (AACN, 2006). As epidemiologists explore essential questions such as how stressful life events and behavioral choices may influence an individual's health, society wrestles with the distinction of what is actually within the control of an individual, and therefore relates to a personal responsibility for promoting well being, versus how larger-scale efforts can modulate psychosocial risk factors that result in population health problems.
In this Discussion, you will consider the connection between psychosocial risk factors and health outcomes. As you review the research literature, consider how you have come across this issue in your professional practice. As a nurse leader, what opportunities do you have to apply the information presented this week to promote improvements in population health status?
To prepare:
• Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the influence of psychosocial factors on health and disease.
• Locate at least two examples from the research literature of how these factors influence health. If necessary, conduct additional research using the Walden Library and credible websites.
• Examine strategies currently being employed to address these factors, including health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
• Ask yourself: How are these strategies designed to improve population health status?
Write a minimum of 550 words in APA format with at least 3 scholarly references from the list of required readings below. Include the level one headings as numbered below"
Post a cohesive scholarly response that addresses the following:
1) Provide a brief summary of each example, including the influence of psychosocial factors on health and disease as discussed in the research literature. Cite your sources.
2) What strategies are currently being used to address these factors? Support your response with examples from the literature.
3) Knowing that there are psychosocial factors that influence acute and chronic diseases, what is the role of the nurse in probing for that information or in larger initiatives?
Required Readings
Phillips, C. V., & Goodman, K. J. (2004). The missed lessons of Sir Austin Bradford Hill. Epidemiologic Perspectives & Innovations, 1(3).
In 1965, Austin Bradford Hill worked on a paper that has become a standard in public health and epidemiologic study about how to make decisions based on epidemiologic evidence. Hill put forth strategies for inferring causation and stressed the need for considering costs and benefits when planning health-promoting interventions. Review this article, which examines how Hill's strategies are often misused or misinterpreted.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). CDC health disparities and inequalities report-United States, 2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Supplement, (60), 1-114.
This report consolidates national data on disparities in mortality, morbidity, behavioral risk factors, health care access, preventive health services, and social determinants of critical health problems in the United States by using selected indicators. The required section of reading introduces the social determinants of health and environmental hazards.
World Health Organization. (2011). Social determinants of health.
According to the World Health Organization, "The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities-the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries." This article presents an introduction to social determinants of health.
World Health Organization. (2011). Social determinants of health: Key concepts.
This article outlines key concepts related to the social determinants of health.
Healthy People 2020. (2011). Social determinants of health.
This website presents an overview of the social determinants of health and addresses how the information relates to Healthy People 2020.
UCL Institute of Health Equity. (2012). ‘Fair society healthy lives' (The Marmot Review).
Optional Resources
Genaidy, A. M., Lemasters, G. K., Lockey, J., Succop, P., Deddens, J., Sobeih, & Dunning, K. (2007). An epidemiological appraisal instrumental - a tool for evaluation of epidemiological studies. Ergonomics, 50(6), 920-960.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Social determinants of health.