Posted: January 13th, 2023

The social determinant of health

Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
Correctly identify your assigned social determinant. Briefly define the determinant and describe how it impacts healthcare outcomes.
Select an objective related to your assigned social determinant from the Healthy People website linked above. Identify the status of the objective and the population to whom the objective applies.
Provide at least three appropriate questions related to the chosen objective that the NP could incorporate into the health history and interview to assess the client and family.
Identify at least two online, national, or local resources and explain how the resources could help meet the chosen objective for at-risk clients or families.
Please access the following link:
https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/neighborhood-and-built-environment
* Selected social determinant of health is “Neighborhood and built environment
*Please focus on the ” Reducing Asthma deaths” objective
*Resources must be from 2018 to current
—
The social determinant of health that I have been assigned is “Neighborhood and built environment.” This determinant refers to the physical and social characteristics of a person’s neighborhood and the built environment in which they live, work, and play. These characteristics can have a significant impact on health outcomes, including access to healthcare, exposure to environmental toxins, and opportunities for physical activity.
The objective related to this social determinant that I have chosen from the Healthy People website is “Reducing Asthma Deaths.” This objective aims to reduce the number of deaths caused by asthma and improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma. The status of this objective is “Not Met.” This objective applies to the entire population, but it is particularly relevant for individuals who live in areas with high levels of air pollution, exposure to environmental toxins, and limited access to healthcare.
Three appropriate questions that the Nurse Practitioner (NP) could incorporate into the health history and interview to assess the client and family regarding the chosen objective are:
Have you or any family member been diagnosed with asthma?
Have you or any family member had an asthma attack in the last 12 months?
Are there any sources of pollution or environmental toxins in your neighborhood or home that may trigger asthma symptoms?
Two online, national, or local resources that could help meet the chosen objective for at-risk clients or families are:
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) website (https://www.aafa.org/) offers information about asthma triggers, treatment options, and living with asthma. It also provides resources for finding local asthma specialists, support groups, and educational programs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI) website (https://www.airnow.gov/) provides real-time information about air quality in different locations throughout the United States, including information about air pollutants that can trigger asthma symptoms. This resource can help individuals with asthma to avoid areas with poor air quality and take steps to protect themselves when they are in such areas.