Community Health Essay Sample
The issue about community health is widely discussed in our society. Researchers, healthcare professionals and government officials are interested in the key factors that influence the health in community and the impact of these factors on community members. It is obvious that in the 21-st century, many challenges faced by community members in health promotion have been solved (Vollman, 2007; Lynam, 2007). However, there is still a variety of factors that have an enormous impact on the health in community in general and on community members in particular. Many challenges have been solved due to advances in knowledge and research concerning the major causes and effects of diseases, the development of new technological methods and invention of new pharmaceuticals and vaccines to effectively treat various diseases, determination of the possible environmental solutions aimed at prevention of disease transmission and acquisition, as well as innovations in surveillance techniques to measure health status” (Vollman, 2007, p. 3). Some common factors that influence the health in community include income and social status of community members, social support networks, education, employment, working conditions, social and physical environments, alcohol and drug abuse and health services. Each community faces a large number of challenges, which influence the health in community.Community Health Essay Sample
Overview of the key factors that influence the health in community and their impact on community members
The key factors that influence the health in community can be identified as the determinants of health that contribute to the health of community members. There is much evidence about the role of health services on the health in community in general and on each community member in particular (Lynam, 2007). Many researchers would agree that the contribution of medicine and health care promotion play a crucial role in any community. The access to health services guarantees not only the prevention of diseases, but also the maintenance and promotion of health (Lynam, 2007).Community Health Essay Sample
Besides, there is a strong indication that living and working conditions affect community health access and are of great importance for healthy population. According to researchers, “unemployment, underemployment, stressful and unsafe work are associated with poorer physical, mental and social health” (Lynam, 2007, p. 9). Improper working conditions, both physical and psychological conditions, have a strong impact on emotional state of community members, leading to serious psychological problems and various work-related diseases. Intolerable living conditions affect the individuals’ lifestyles and lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
In addition, social support networks can be viewed as one more significant factor that influences the health in community. According to Siobhán Lynam (2007), “social support in the broader community in reflected in the institutions, organizations and informal practices that people create to share resources, build attachments and show solidarity with others” (p. 10). Social support networks involve the role of family support, the support from friends and community members. As a rule, social support has positive effect on the health in community. Family members, friends and community members provide effective caring relationships. At the same time, social support networks may help to solve a wide range of health problems, such as reduce smoking and obesity rate, and enhance physical activity (Lynam, 2007).Community Health Essay Sample
The effects of economics on health care access
Economics affects health care access to a great extent. According to Ross M. Mullner, “economic barriers to health care are economic or market-based factors that impede an individual’s ability to access healthcare services”(p. 323). Economic barriers may have a serious impact on community members, increasing the likelihood of an individual to face some health problems, as well as to increase the severity of disease. The most common economic barriers include “lack of access to health insurance coverage and other factors such as out of pocket costs and income” (Mullner, 2009, p. 323). In many cases, economic barriers are closely connected with racial and geographic barriers to health care access. It is obvious that the lack of health insurance has adverse socio-economic and psychological effects on community members. Some important effects of economics on health care access include unemployment rate and illegal immigration (Mullner, 2009). The lack of access to health care is an indicator of poor socio-economic and social security systems of the country.Community Health Essay Sample
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to conclude that the key factors that influence the health in community include health services, living and working conditions and social support networks. The health in community is determined by close interactions between a variety of factors, including economic factors, social factors and individual behavior and lifestyle factors and physical environment. These factors can be viewed as determinants of health in community. Community members are influenced by the determinants of health to a great extent. In most cases, community interventions are effective in health promotion and education. Economics affects health care access to a great extent, leading to serious health problems of uninsured community members. The key economic barrier our communities face today is the lack of health insurance.
References
Vollman, A. R. (2007). “Population health promotion: essentials and essence of practice” in Canadian Community as Partner: Theory & Multidisciplinary Practice, ed. by Ardene Robinson Vollman, Elizabeth T. Anderson, Judith M. McFarlane. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Lynam, S. (2007). Community Development and Health. Combat Poverty Agency. Mullner, R. M. (2009). Encyclopedia of Health Services Research. SAGE.Community Health Essay Sample