NURS FPX 6011 Assessment 2 Evidence-Based Population Health Improvement Plan

By Michael Williams / February 3, 2024

 

The Chosen Health Problem: Heart Disease

Heart disease covers a range of conditions that impair the heart’s structure and functions, leading to various cardiovascular issues. It is a major health concern both in the United States and worldwide. This category of diseases includes heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders, manifesting symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, faintness, and palpitations. Factors such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of physical activity are key in the onset of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, age, gender, and genetic background may influence one’s risk of developing heart disease.

In advanced societies, the influence of the natural environment on health is mitigated by social and physical factors, including urban development, pollution, socioeconomic status, and community networks (Bhatnagar, 2017; Bhatnagar et al., 2016). Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the principal cause of death in the United States, with nearly 697,000 fatalities annually. Of these, CHD accounts for about 382,820 deaths, making it the most common type of heart disease. Each year, around 805,000 Americans suffer heart attacks, with 605,000 experiencing their first attack and 200,000 having had one before.

Environmental and epidemiological factors significantly influence the incidence and risk of heart disease in the U.S. population. Factors such as air and water pollution, exposure to secondhand smoke, lack of green spaces, and limited access to nutritious food options have been linked to a heightened risk of heart disease (Glovaci et al., 2019). Age, gender, and socioeconomic status are epidemiological aspects that contribute to the growing occurrence of heart diseases, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental conditions and health outcomes.

 

Ethical Health Improvement Plan

Encourage Adoption of Health-Conscious Behaviors (Sarrafzadegan & Mohammadifard, 2019): The goal is to enhance public understanding and motivate the integration of healthful lifestyle habits.

Expected Results:

 

1. Elevate the levels of physical activity within the community and decrease the prevalence of smoking.

2. Improve the intake of nutritious foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) while minimizing the consumption of alcohol.

Action Plans:
1. Launch widespread educational initiatives emphasizing the benefits of regular exercise , nutritious diets, and the importance of quitting smoking.
2. Partner with educational institutions, workplaces, and community facilities to facilitate access to exercise programs and advocate for nutritious dietary practices.
3. Provide access to smoking cessation assistance and tools to aid individuals in giving up smoking.
4. Work in collaboration with local enterprises and dining establishments to enhance the availability of healthful food choices.

 

Create Supportive Environments

Foster environments that promote heart-healthy behaviors.

Outcome Criteria:

1. Increase the availability of healthy food options in local stores and restaurants.

2. Increase the number of safe and accessible community spaces for physical activity.

3. Significantly decrease exposure to secondhand smoke in public areas.

Strategies:

1. Collaborate with local businesses to increase the availability of fresh fruits, vegetables, and

whole grains.

2. Encourage healthier food choices.

3. Work with local government and urban planning departments to design and maintain parks,

walking trails, and bike lanes.

4. Advocate for and support the implementation of smoke-free policies in public places and

multi-unit housing.

Enhance Health Education and Awareness:

Increase knowledge and awareness of heart disease risk factors, prevention, and management.

Outcome Criteria:

1. Percentage increase in heart disease awareness among community members.

2. Percentage increase in the proportion of individuals who know their blood pressure and

cholesterol levels.

3. Percentage increase in the utilization of educational resources and programs related to heart

health

Strategies:

1. Develop and distribute educational materials on heart disease prevention, early detection,

and