HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Posted: July 7th, 2022

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1

What are social, behavioral, and cultural determinants? How do social, behavioral, and cultural determinants impact public health? Present specific examples within your answer as well as justifying your rationale with evidence. Respond to three other class members’ posts specifically peer-reviewing their answers.

DQ2

Very wealthy or influential public figures (such as Bill Clinton and Bill Gates) have become major funders in the global health arena, providing millions to developing countries and/or international organizations. How do you think this will influence the future of public health? What benefits and challenges may develop?

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1

Present one theory or model within the field of public health which describes either how people maintain health and/or how illness is caused? Presentation of the theory or model may be submitted in graphic or narrative format. Even if this is not your personal viewpoint/belief, how can these multiple theories and models be beneficial to public health professionals? It is not appropriate to repeat one that has already been posted unless you are providing new information. Review all peer submissions and become familiar with the multiple theories and models. Respond to three peers’s posts asking any questions or verifying your analysis of the theory/model.

DQ2

What role should culture play in how a person’s health issues are handled? Is this demonstrated in the health system today? Support your position with examples and/or evidence.

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1

Reflecting on your childhood, what types of barriers/disparities existed that limited your ability to lead a healthier life? Were there any short-term or long-term consequences?

DQ2

To what extent does discrimination and racism create health disparities? Why are some populations more likely to experience health disparities? Support your position with multiple examples.

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1

Provide two examples of social institutions that are prevalent in American society and explain their functions. How have social institutions played a part in your health? Do you think their influence was positive or negative? Why?

DQ2

Can health care policy shape the way in which social institutions are viewed by an individual or population group? Support your position with examples and/or evidence.

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1

Present a basic case in which an individual would wish to change a long-term health behavior? For example, a 39-year-old female wishes to stop her two-pack-a-day smoking habit which she has had for 10 years. Using various models and theories of behavioral change help create strategies for modifying the patient’s behaviors. Explain the process/methods that could be used to accomplish this goal. Predict how long this may take and what challenges may present themselves? Review three peers’ postings and provide constructive feedback on additional changes which could be beneficial as well as additional insight.

DQ2

Why is health promotion/education such an important component to behavioral change? Why do you think behavioral change is so difficult for an individual?

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1

Present one theory or model of behavioral change which would be effective in a population and/or community? Presentation of the theory or model may be submitted in graphic or narrative format. Within your answer, using a scenario format, illustrate how the theory or model could be effective. Review all peer submissions and become familiar with the multiple theories and models. Respond to three peers’ posts asking any questions or verifying your own analysis of the theory/model.

DQ2

How can individual, group, and social efforts be combined to implement community behavioral change? Identify challenges which may result from your suggestions. Review three peers’ postings and provide possible solutions for the challenges that may arise.

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1

Find a program (provide a link to the program) which was developed to provide health promotion and education to a specific population. Evaluate this program on its ability to identify with the specific population, on its implementation of effective intervention methods, and on its program planning strategy. This evaluation will be very broad in scope and not as in-depth as your research assignment. Review three peers’ postings, access the program links, and compare your assessment to theirs? What additional insights do you have?

DQ2

Find a media publication with a health message. Share the link. What population is this publication targeting and how do you know? Do you think it is effective or not? Why?

HLT 515 GC Full Course Discussions

HLT515 Social Behavior and Cultural Factor in Public Health

Week 8 Discussion

DQ1

In March 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. Will this legislation help decrease or eliminate health disparities? Can it be more effective? Use the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “Focus on Health Reform: Summary of the New Health Reform Law,” assigned as reading for this module, for a reference.

DQ2

Is it possible to eliminate health disparities in the United States? Why or why not? What are some of the key strategies advocated by the readings? Do you notice any similar themes in the assigned articles?

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Week 1 Discussion

DQ1: Social, behavioral, and cultural determinants are factors that influence public health outcomes. Social determinants include socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare. Behavioral determinants refer to individual lifestyle choices and habits, such as smoking, diet, and physical activity. Cultural determinants encompass cultural beliefs, values, and practices that can affect health behaviors and healthcare access. For example, socioeconomic status (a social determinant) can impact a person’s ability to afford healthcare services or access nutritious food. Smoking behavior (a behavioral determinant) can increase the risk of lung cancer. Cultural beliefs and practices (cultural determinants) may influence attitudes towards seeking mental health services. Understanding and addressing these determinants are crucial for improving public health outcomes.

DQ2: Wealthy and influential public figures like Bill Clinton and Bill Gates can significantly influence the future of public health through their philanthropy and funding. Their contributions can provide resources for healthcare infrastructure, research, and interventions in developing countries. This can lead to improved access to healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives. However, there can also be challenges associated with such influence, including potential power imbalances, agenda-setting, and potential conflicts of interest. It is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and collaboration with local communities and organizations to maximize the benefits of such funding and minimize any unintended negative consequences.

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1: One theory or model in public health that describes how people maintain health and/or how illness is caused is the Social Ecological Model (SEM). The SEM recognizes that health is influenced by multiple levels of influence, including individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. It emphasizes the interactions between these levels and how they shape health behaviors and outcomes. For example, at the individual level, personal characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes impact health behaviors. At the community level, social norms, social support, and access to resources can influence health. The SEM provides a framework for public health professionals to understand and address health issues holistically, considering various levels of influence and designing interventions accordingly.

DQ2: Culture plays a crucial role in how a person’s health issues are handled. Cultural beliefs, values, and practices shape health behaviors, attitudes towards illness, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. In some cultures, seeking medical help may be stigmatized or traditional healing practices may be preferred. It is important for healthcare systems to be culturally sensitive and responsive to individual and community needs. However, cultural considerations are not always effectively demonstrated in the health system today. Health disparities can arise when healthcare providers lack cultural competence, leading to miscommunication, distrust, and underutilization of healthcare services by certain populations. Efforts should be made to promote cultural humility, provide culturally competent care, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1: Childhood barriers and disparities that limited one’s ability to lead a healthier life can vary widely. Some examples could include limited access to nutritious food, lack of safe spaces for physical activity, inadequate healthcare coverage, or exposure to environmental toxins. These barriers can have short-term consequences like increased risk of infections or injuries and long-term consequences like chronic diseases later in life. For instance, limited access to nutritious food during childhood can lead to poor growth, malnutrition, and increased risk of obesity-related health problems in adulthood.

DQ2: Discrimination and racism contribute significantly to health disparities. Some populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income communities, are more likely to experience health disparities due to systemic racism and discrimination. Discrimination can lead to unequal access to healthcare, lower quality of care, and higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and mortality. For example, racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes have been well-documented, with minorities facing barriers to quality care and experiencing higher rates of certain diseases. Addressing discrimination and racism is crucial for achieving health equity and reducing health disparities.

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1: Social institutions prevalent in American society include education systems, healthcare systems, and the criminal justice system. Education systems play a part in health by providing opportunities for health education, promoting health literacy, and influencing future opportunities and socioeconomic status. The healthcare system directly impacts individual and population health outcomes through the provision of medical services. The criminal justice system can indirectly influence health through factors like incarceration rates and access to healthcare for incarcerated individuals. The influence of these social institutions on health can vary depending on individual experiences. While they can have positive effects, such as providing healthcare services, they can also have negative effects, such as health disparities based on socioeconomic status or race.

DQ2: Health care policy can shape how social institutions are viewed by individuals or population groups. Policies that prioritize preventive care, promote health equity, and provide affordable and accessible healthcare can positively impact individuals’ perception of the healthcare system. Conversely, policies that result in limited access to care, high healthcare costs, or discriminatory practices can lead to negative views of social institutions like healthcare. For example, the Affordable Care Act aimed to expand healthcare access and reduce disparities, changing the perception of the healthcare system for many individuals. Policies that address social determinants of health, such as education and housing, can also positively impact how social institutions are viewed by individuals and communities.

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1: In the case of an individual wishing to change a long-term health behavior like smoking, various models and theories of behavioral change can be utilized. One commonly used model is the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) or Stages of Change Model. This model suggests that individuals go through different stages in the process of behavior change, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Strategies for modifying the patient’s behavior could include providing information about the risks of smoking, counseling or motivational interviewing to increase readiness to change, setting realistic goals, and providing support and resources for quitting (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation programs). The length of time required for behavior change can vary depending on individual factors, but it often takes multiple attempts and ongoing support. Challenges that may arise include withdrawal symptoms, social pressure, and relapse triggers.

DQ2: Health promotion/education is a vital component of behavioral change because it increases individuals’ knowledge, awareness, and self-efficacy related to health behaviors. It provides information about the benefits of healthy behaviors and the risks of unhealthy behaviors, empowering individuals to make informed choices. Behavioral change is often difficult due to various factors such as habits, social norms, cultural beliefs, and environmental influences. Health promotion/education helps individuals overcome these challenges by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. It also fosters a sense of personal responsibility for health, encourages self-reflection, and promotes positive social norms and social support for behavior change.

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1: One theory or model of behavioral change that could be effective in a population or community is the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This theory emphasizes the interaction between personal factors (cognition, beliefs, self-efficacy), environmental factors (social norms, physical environment), and behavior. According to SCT, individuals learn and adopt behaviors through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. The theory suggests that interventions should focus on increasing self-efficacy, providing role models, and creating supportive environments to facilitate behavior change. For example, in a scenario where a community wants to promote physical activity, SCT can be used to develop interventions that provide opportunities for community members to observe and imitate physically active role models, create social norms that value and encourage physical activity, and enhance self-efficacy through positive reinforcement and skill-building programs.

DQ2: Combining individual, group, and social efforts is crucial for implementing community behavioral change. Individual efforts focus on personal motivation, goal-setting, and behavior change techniques. Group efforts involve support groups, peer networks, and social support systems that provide encouragement, accountability, and shared experiences. Social efforts involve engaging the wider community through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and creating supportive environments for behavior change. Challenges that may arise include resistance to change, lack of resources, and addressing diverse needs within the community. Solutions can involve engaging community leaders, building partnerships with local organizations, tailoring interventions to cultural and social contexts, and ensuring ongoing community involvement in the planning and implementation process.

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1: Evaluating a health promotion and education program’s ability to identify with a specific population, implement effective intervention methods, and use appropriate program planning strategies requires a thorough assessment of the program’s goals, target population, intervention components, and evaluation methods. Without specific programs or links provided, it is challenging to provide a direct evaluation. However, in general, a successful program should be culturally sensitive, address the unique needs and preferences of the target population, use evidence-based interventions, involve community stakeholders in planning and implementation, and have measurable outcomes to assess its effectiveness.

DQ2: In order to provide feedback on a media publication with a health message, the link to the publication would need to be provided. However, when evaluating a health publication, it is important to consider the target population, the clarity and accuracy of the message, and the effectiveness of the communication strategies used. The publication should use language and visuals that resonate with the intended audience and convey the message effectively. It should also provide credible information based on scientific evidence and promote positive health behaviors. Assessing the effectiveness of a publication requires a comprehensive review and analysis of its content, design, and intended impact.

Week 8 Discussion

DQ1: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law in 2010 aimed to decrease health disparities by expanding access to affordable healthcare coverage, implementing preventive care services, and prohibiting discriminatory practices. The ACA provided opportunities for millions of previously uninsured individuals to gain coverage, reducing disparities in healthcare access. However, the effectiveness of the legislation in eliminating health disparities depends on various factors, including implementation, access to care in underserved areas, and addressing social determinants of health. While the ACA has made significant strides, further improvements and ongoing efforts are necessary to fully eliminate health disparities in the United States.

DQ2: Eliminating health disparities entirely in the United States may be challenging due to complex factors such as social determinants of health, systemic inequities, and cultural and behavioral factors. However, there are key strategies advocated by research and public health experts to reduce health disparities. These strategies include improving access to quality healthcare, addressing social determinants of health (e.g., education, income, housing), promoting health equity through policy changes, increasing health literacy, fostering culturally sensitive healthcare practices, and empowering communities. There are similar themes across the assigned articles, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health, promoting equity, and involving communities in health planning and decision-making processes.