Select a community and identify major health determinants affecting its population

Public health remains a central focus for health leaders and government officials. Despite ongoing efforts, numerous factors continue to influence population well-being, and various health determinants contribute to persistent health disparities. Drawing on your readings, lectures and the knowledge you acquired throughout this course, select a community and identify some of the major health determinants affecting its population. Discuss these determinants in depth, and propose realistic strategies for addressing and overcoming these challenges to improve public health outcomes within that community.

Here is an outline to help you complete this final assignment.

1. Introduction (15 Points)

• • Overview of Public Health Concerns: Provide a brief overview of the importance of public health and its relevance to the selected community. 
  • Community Selection and Description: Clearly describe the chosen community (location, demographics, socioeconomic context).
  • Thesis Statement: State the major health determinants affecting this community and the focus of proposed solutions.

2. Identification of Major Health Determinants (20 Points)

• • Key Determinants: Identify at least three significant health determinants within the chosen community (e.g., economic factors, environmental issues, healthcare access, lifestyle, and behavioral influences).
  • Impact on Population Health: Explain how each determinant affects the health and well-being of the community.

3. Analysis of Health Disparities (20 Points)

• • Disparities Linked to Determinants: Discuss health disparities within the community that stem from the identified determinants (e.g., higher rates of certain diseases, lower life expectancy).
  • Supporting Evidence: Use data, case studies, or literature to support the analysis of each determinant’s impact on health disparities.

4. Proposed Strategies for Improvement (25 Points)

• • Realistic Strategies: Propose at least two strategies to address each identified determinant (e.g., policy changes, community programs, educational initiatives).
  • Implementation Feasibility: Discuss the feasibility of each proposed strategy within the community context, including potential partners and resources.
  • Expected Outcomes: Outline potential health improvements if the strategies are successfully implemented.

5. Conclusion (10 Points)

• • Summary of Key Points: Summarize the major health determinants, associated disparities, and proposed solutions.
  • Final Reflection: Provide a closing thought on the potential for change and improvement in community health outcomes.

6. Project Format (10 Points)

• • Length: 6 – 8 pages, 1.5 spaced, Times Roman
  • Sources: Minimum of five scholarly sources, including the textbook
  • Citation Style: AMA formatting for in-text citations and references

 Parameters

Submissions should be 6 – 8 pages, 1.5 spaced, Times Roman font must comply with American Medical Association style guide: AMA Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors, 11th Edition.  

See the rubric for this assignment Download rubric for this assignmentfor information on how your instructor will grade the content, conciseness, and clarity of your finished assignment.

 Due Date: Module 8 (Week 15, Day 5)

Module Outcome related to this assignment

1. Analyze major health determinants and their impact on population well-being within a specific community.
2. Examine how health disparities arise from social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors in public health.
3. Develop strategies to address identified health determinants and improve health outcomes within a chosen community.
4. Apply evidence-based research to propose actionable public health interventions in a community context.