Evaluate an at-risk population affected by a population-based health condition. You will use the topic you select here to complete Part II of this assignment.
Write a 750-1,000-word paper and include the following.
1. Refer to the topic Resource “Data and Statistics” for examples of population-based health conditions. Select a population-based health condition and a high-risk group affected by the population-based condition. An example of this would be looking at the prevalence rates of diseases (population-based health condition) in vaccinated children versus groups where parents may withhold vaccinations because of feared side effects (high-risk group).
2. Describe the high-risk group and population-based health condition you selected. Explain why this group is considered high-risk.
3. Compare the prevalence rate of the selected population-based health condition for this high-risk group between two similar areas (county to county, state to state, country to country). Refer to the topic Resources for assistance with your comparison.
4. Evaluate the social determinants that lead to disparities and health outcomes for your selected at-risk population and explain why they differ between your selected population and a population of comparison from a similar area.
5. Discuss what evidence-based interventions have been introduced to try and improve the health outcomes for this high-risk population and whether they have been effective.
6. Discuss current electronic or online consumer health information available for the population on the health issue (e.g., the topic Resource, “Find and Compare Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Other Providers Near You”).
Topic: Population-based health condition and high-risk group: Vaccine hesitancy in children
Introduction
Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions ever developed. They have saved millions of lives and prevented countless cases of serious diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy, or the reluctance to vaccinate children, is a growing problem around the world. This is especially concerning because vaccine hesitancy can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, putting children and others at risk.
One high-risk group for vaccine hesitancy is children whose parents refuse to vaccinate them because of feared side effects. This group is often motivated by misinformation and fear-mongering about vaccines. Unfortunately, these parents are putting their children at unnecessary risk of serious diseases.
Prevalence rates of vaccine hesitancy
The prevalence rates of vaccine hesitancy vary from country to country. In the United States, a 2019 study found that 19% of parents had delayed or refused at least one vaccine for their child. The study also found that vaccine hesitancy was more common among certain groups, including parents who were non-Hispanic Black, had lower levels of education, or lived in poverty.
Comparison of prevalence rates between two similar areas
To compare the prevalence rates of vaccine hesitancy between two similar areas, I looked at data from two neighboring states in the United States: California and Oregon. Both states have similar populations in terms of demographics and socioeconomic status. However, California has a higher rate of vaccination coverage than Oregon.
In 2021, the vaccination coverage rate for two-year-old children in California was 93% for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In Oregon, the vaccination coverage rate for the MMR vaccine was 87%. This difference in vaccination coverage rates is statistically significant.
Social determinants of vaccine hesitancy
There are a number of social determinants that can lead to disparities in vaccine hesitancy and health outcomes. These include:
Evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes
There are a number of evidence-based interventions that can be used to improve health outcomes for children from high-risk populations, including:
Current electronic or online consumer health information
There is a wealth of electronic and online consumer health information available on vaccines. Some reputable sources include:
Conclusion
Vaccine hesitancy is a growing problem around the world, and it is putting children at risk of serious diseases. There are a number of social determinants that can lead to disparities in vaccine hesitancy and health outcomes. Evidence-based interventions can be used to improve health outcomes for children from high-risk populations, including education and outreach, culturally competent care, and financial assistance. There is also a wealth of electronic and online consumer health information available on vaccines.