PRESENTATION framework for health.ppt.pptx

rural health disparity, a conceptual framework in Kenya

1. CHAPTER 7 Health Disparities in Rural Communities

2. Learning Objectives After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Explain some of the key issues regarding health disparities and rural communities. Delineate health issues that impact migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. List risky behaviors that members of rural communities may participate in. Discuss how socioeconomic status impacts the health status of individuals in rural communities. Identify some of the controversies associated with undocumented workers and immigration reform perspectives.

3. Introduction Although health disparities in urban communities are usually the focal point of this issue, there are serious problems that contribute to the overall health status gap in rural communities. There are very specific risk factors that contribute to poor health conditions for people living in rural environments. Some of them are as follows per the Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub ( n.d .): Geographic isolation Lower socioeconomic status Higher rates of risky health behaviors Limited job opportunities

4. Risky Behaviors Some of the risky behaviors that individuals in rural communities participate in, that may impact their health, are smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and abstention from regular exercise, according to the Georgetown University Policy Institute (2003). The experience of overweight and obesity are also significant issues. Additionally, the population makeup of people in rural communities is quite different from urban communities.

5. Migrant Farm Workers Another group that must be focused on regarding health disparities in rural communities are known as Migratory and Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAWs). They experience myriad issues, including hazardous work environments, poverty, low wages, inadequate housing, limited availability of clean water and septic systems, limited access and continuity of care, lack of insurance, and cultural and language barriers ( RHIHub , n.d ).

6. Immigration Reform It is clear that although there is concern expressed regarding undocumented immigrants and that some people believe there is a need for them to be removed/legalized in the United States, immigration reform has yet to take place. This causes political consternation between various factions and is extremely controversial, as there does not seem to be acknowledgement that there is complicity in employing undocumented migrants while simultaneously purporting that immigrants must enter the country on a documented status and maintain such status.

7. Solutions (1 of 2) In terms of solutions, Hanson and Donahue (2003) recommend the following to improve the Health status of MSAWs: Create a stronger public health infrastructure Enroll more healthcare providers to work with underserved populations Employ more community outreach workers Train bilingual and bicultural health care providers Encourage alternative healthcare delivery methods (e.g., “health care vans”) Implement more advanced information-tracking systems that can be networked among clinicians Increase preventive health services such as dental care, family planning, accident prevention, and detection and control of chronic diseases

8. Solutions (2 of 2) Broaden legislation and protection through improved U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency standards to eliminate overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions and workplace hazards and exposures Create a system of universal access to care Improve education among MSAWs and healthcare providers Educate MSAWs about prevention, detection, and treatment at their homes, workplaces, or community centers Include migrant health care in medical, nursing, and dental school curricula (e.g., interactive lectures) Improve physician recognition, management, and reporting of pesticide-related illnesses.

9. Chapter Summary One specific factor, that contributes to the health status gap of rural communities that is key to the overall problem is lack of access to care. Additionally, there are risky behaviors that also must be considered that impact rural health, including smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and lack of regular exercise. Stress and lack of funds and access to productive, positive exercise facilities are the primary reasons for such behaviors. Specific solutions must be considered to address their myriad health problems.