Assignment

Continuing Social Determinants of Health

Given the current multidisciplinary approaches to address the role of the social determinants of health, what new research or trends might impact how health professionals approach health disparities?

As the health field continues to advance, the underlying causes and solutions for health issues will be revealed. Yet, as you have explored throughout this course, there are many causes that may contribute to health disparities observed in different populations. Consider for example how the prevalence of smoking may be influenced by several factors. Are increased prevalence rates in smoking influenced by the availability of cigarettes in vulnerable populations? Is smoking a cultural practice or do environmental influences impact behavior?

As a health professional, you may contribute to the design of interventions to address population health issues. Considerations such as access to transportation and health insurance represent important societal and political factors that contribute to health outcomes. Emerging research will continue to challenge health professionals and will establish opportunities to recognize the greater societal implications of health.

For this 3-4 page paper, select a health issue from either topics: Childhood Overweight and Obesity or Mental health andIllness and consider how health disparities influence this health issue.

Research an article/news story from credible, professional, and scholarly sources, and select a current event that demonstrates a lack of access to adequate resources for health insurance or transportation.

Lastly, give a brief description of the health issue you selected and a summary of the resource you selected. Explain how a lack of access to health insurance or transportation may have an effect on health disparities for this health issue and why.