NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 Identifying Community Health Needs

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 5003 Health Assessment and Promotion for Disease Prevention in Population-Focused Health

Prof. Name

Date

Identifying Community Health Needs

Identifying the health needs of a community is a crucial step in improving health outcomes and addressing disparities. A clear understanding of the specific health challenges a community faces enables healthcare providers to create targeted programs and interventions that enhance access to care, promote health education, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. This approach not only improves the quality of care but also contributes to more cost-effective treatments and better overall life satisfaction for individuals. This analysis will focus on the issue of Hypertension (HTN) in Arkansas, exploring the state’s demographic characteristics and population trends. The assessment will also examine which specific groups in Arkansas experience higher rates of HTN, highlighting the disparities within the population. By identifying these patterns, the goal is to better understand how HTN impacts different communities in Arkansas and develop effective strategies to address these challenges.

Demographic Characteristics

Demographic characteristics encompass a variety of factors that can shape individuals’ experiences and treatment within society. These factors include education level, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In healthcare, demographic information is used to improve patient care by facilitating billing processes and fostering cultural awareness and competency. As of the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas has a population exceeding 3,011,524, with a median age of approximately 36 years. The state’s population is predominantly white, comprising 61.6%, followed by Black alone at 12.4%, Hispanic at 18.7% and Asian alone at 6% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021).

In terms of health outcomes, Arkansas consistently ranks poorly in several key health metrics, including obesity rates, smoking, and physical inactivity. According to America’s Health Rankings, the state is ranked 38th out of 50 in overall health, with challenges related to adult obesity, smoking, and a lack of physical activity (America’s Health Ranking, n.d.). Furthermore, Arkansas experiences a high burden of chronic conditions, particularly HTN and Diabetes Melitus (DM). America’s Health Rankings reports that more than 40.7% of adults in the state are affected by HTN, and it is ranked 46th in this disease (America’s Health Ranking, n.d.).

Population Trends and Observations

Arkansas’ demographic landscape reveals several key trends and shifts that reflect changes within the state’s population over time. Similar to many regions across the United States, Arkansas is seeing an ageing population. The median age of residents rose from 37.2. in 2010 to 38.4 by 2019, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It grew over a third (34.2% or 13,787,044) during the past decade and by 3.2% (1,688,924) from 2018 to 2019 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This trend is expected to continue as the proportion of older adults grows steadily in the coming years. While Arkansas remains largely white, the state has seen notable increases in its non-white populations. For instance, the Hispanic community has grown by 48% since 2010, and the Asian population has risen by 37%. On the other hand, the proportion of Black or African American residents has remained relatively stable (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). These shifts reflect broader demographic changes within the state.

In recent years, Arkansas has experienced rural-to-urban migration, as many residents seek better job prospects and economic opportunities in cities. Fifty-three out of the state’s 75 counties saw population declines between 2010 and 2019, with rural areas bearing the brunt of this change (Arkansas Senate, 2021). A notable data gap affecting the state’s demographic trends is the absence of comprehensive information about the LGBTQ+ population. There is a lack of data on their specific demographic characteristics, health outcomes, and social challenges, which complicates efforts to address health disparities and ensure adequate healthcare access for this group.

Another critical gap lies in the availability of detailed income and poverty data across various demographic segments. While Arkansas has seen a general decrease in poverty rates, African American and Hispanic communities continue to experience much higher poverty rates compared to their white counterparts (Creamer, 2020). However, data on poverty levels within other minority groups, such as Native Americans and Asian Americans, is limited, making it difficult to fully understand and address the economic disparities they face.

Hypertension’s Impact on Vulnerable Groups in Arkansas

HTN disproportionately affects several key populations within Arkansas, with certain groups facing higher rates of this chronic condition. In Arkansas, African Americans experience higher rates of HTN compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Research by Simpson (n.d.) indicates that 34% of African American adults in the state are affected by HTN, in contrast to 28% of white adults. This disparity can be linked to multiple factors, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and the broader social and economic conditions that influence health outcomes.

As Arkansas’ population ages, HTN becomes increasingly prevalent among older adults. Individuals aged 65 and older show higher rates of HTN compared to those between the ages of 20-64, According to (America’s Health Ranking, n.d.). This age-related trend underscores the critical need for targeted HTN screening and management strategies for elderly residents to help mitigate the risks associated with this chronic condition in Arkansas.

Effective Communication of Demographic and Health Data

Arkansas, home to roughly 3 million residents, is a state marked by demographic diversity, with the majority identifying as white, followed by African American and Asian populations. The state faces health challenges in managing chronic conditions such as HTN, obesity, and DM. Mental health issues, including high rates of depression and suicide, are also critical concerns (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). To communicate these issues to various audiences, it is essential to use simple, straightforward language that avoids complex terminology. Providing background and context is crucial for understanding the information. Additionally, visual tools like graphs, charts, and infographics can make complicated data more accessible and easier to understand. Incorporating real-life examples and personal stories can further engage audiences and foster a deeper connection with the material (Ginting et al., 2024).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arkansas faces health challenges concerning chronic conditions like HTN, obesity, and DM, which disproportionately affect certain demographic groups such as African Americans and older adults. Effective communication of these health issues requires clear, accessible language, supported by visual aids and real-life examples, to ensure that the information resonates with diverse audiences. By addressing these health needs with targeted interventions and improving public awareness, Arkansas can enhance health outcomes and reduce disparities within its population.

References

America’s Health Ranking. (n.d.). Explore Obesity in Arkansas | AHR. America’s Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/Obesity/AR

America’s Health Ranking. (n.d.). America’s Health Rankings | AHR. America’s Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/hypertension/AR

Arkansas Senate. (2021). New Census Shows 3.3 Percent Population Growth in Arkansas. Arkansas Senate. https://senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/posts/2021/august/new-census-shows-33-percent-population-growth-in-arkansas/