Although the United States spends more money per capita on health care delivery, statistics indicate it is not a particularly healthy country. Over 50% of all preventable deaths in the United States are a result of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (AACN, 2006). As epidemiologists explore essential questions such as how stressful life events and behavioral choices may influence an individual’s health, society wrestles with the distinction of what is actually within the control of an individual, and therefore relates to a personal responsibility for promoting well being, versus how larger-scale efforts can modulate psychosocial risk factors that result in population health problems.
In this Discussion, you will consider the connection between psychosocial risk factors and health outcomes. As you review the research literature, consider how you have come across this issue in your professional practice. As a nurse leader, what opportunities do you have to apply the information presented this week to promote improvements in population health status?
To prepare:
Review the Learning Resources, focusing on the influence of psychosocial factors on health and disease.
Locate at least two examples from the research literature of how these factors influence health. If necessary, conduct additional research using the Walden Library and credible websites.
Examine strategies currently being employed to address these factors, including health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
Ask yourself: How are these strategies designed to improve population health status?
By Day 3
Post a cohesive scholarly response that addresses the following:
Provide a brief summary of each example, including the influence of psychosocial factors on health and disease as discussed in the research literature. Cite your sources.
What strategies are currently being used to address these factors? Support your response with examples from the literature.
Knowing that there are psychosocial factors that influence acute and chronic diseases, what is the role of the nurse in probing for that information or in larger initiatives?
eek 6 Discussion 1
NURS 8310
Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Health and Disease
Multiple causations for health outcomes have been identified by epidemiologic theory and research (Friis & Sellers, 2021). These causations are considered psychosocial health determinants and are broadly conceptualized to explain how psychological, behavioral, and social factors affect health (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Examining how these determinants affect illness, health, and well-being can be further explored through epidemiology theory and research to create healthcare initiatives and public health practices (Friis & Sellers, 2021).
Psychosocial determinants factors such as stress, depression, hopelessness, and despair can adversely influence health leading to disease. According to Friis & Sellers (2021), mental health disorders, heart attacks, and other chronic health conditions are commonly caused by stress. Stressful life events can further be appraised by environmental conditions that endanger health and well-being (Friis & sellers, 2021). Psychosocial interventions aiming to improve emotional stress will influence healthier behaviors (Trudel-Fitzgerald et al., 2016). Trudel-Fitzgerald et al. (2016) further added that anxiety and depression play an important role in unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise, and targeting the psychosocial determinant factor changes these unhealthy habits and improves physical health.
Behavioral determinants factors such as substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and unhealthy eating habits play a major role in the etiology of many chronic health conditions (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Friis and Sellers (2021) further stated that personal behavior is influenced by culture and psychosocial health status. Behavioral risk factor surveillance programs that address obesity, smoking, seat belt safety, and medical screenings are a few health promotion programs established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Preventing chronic diseases and promoting health and wellness for the population are major objectives for this program.
Social determinants of health are related to the environment in which individual lives, works, and socialize. According to Friis & Sellers (2021), the social environment is a major influence on mortality and morbidity due to lifestyle and disease. Establishing policies to improve conditions in where individual lives, works, and go to school can support social and economic conditions that positively change behaviors and health outcomes ( CDC, 2011). Truman et al. (2011) also endorse that social disadvantages and inequalities in health are linked to a community’s health and will inform public health providers and policymakers on decisions to implement interventions to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.
Public health interventions to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of communities will reduce mortality and morbidity rates. Identifying the causes or determinants of disease is essential to prevent and reduce population health problems ( Nash et al., 2021).
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2011). CDC health disparities and
inequalities report- United States, 2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,
Supplement, (60), 1-14. Retrieved from
Friis, R.H. & Sellers, T.A. (2021). Social, behavioral, and psychosocial epidemiology.
Epidemiology for Public Health Practice (6th ed., pp. 552-584). Jones & Bartlett.
Nash, D.B., Skoufalos, A., Fabius, R.J., & Oglesby, W.H. (2021). Epidemiology. In Population
Health: Creating a Culture of Wellness (3rd ed., pp. 26-27). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
.
Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Chen, Y., Singh, A., Okereke, O.I., & Kubzansky, L.D. (2016).
Psychiatric, psychological, and social determinants of health in the nurses’ health study
cohorts. American Journal of Public Health, 106(9), 1644-1649. Retrieved from
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