Conducting basic research on health statistics for your state
For this assignment, you will assume you are a professional community health educator employed by your State Department of Health. After conducting basic research on health statistics for your state, choose a health issue of particular interest to you that is either already prevalent or is a growing concern in your state.
In essay format, you must discuss how you would deliver health education regarding that issue to your constituency. Your essay should accomplish the following:
Begin with an introduction that clearly presents your thesis by describing the health issue and the imperative for health education in this area.
Conclude with how you could use the health belief model (HBM) and the visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic (VARK) model for the community health education on this issue. Give specific examples of how the models can be applied.
Explain appropriate teaching methods that can be used to provide this education. Give specific examples of how you would use these methods across the various demographics of your state.
Sample Solution
The state of Massachusetts is experiencing an increase in opioid-related deaths due to prescription drug misuse. Opioids are highly addictive drugs that can quickly lead to overdose and death if misused, and the current rate of opioid-related overdoses has become a grave concern for public health officials (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, 2020). In order to reduce this concerning trend and promote better health outcomes among members of our community , I believe it is imperative to create effective health education initiatives regarding the dangers associated with prescription drug misuse .
In order to address this issue effectively , I plan on using both the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) model as part of my community health education strategy. The HBM identifies six key factors that influence a person’s decision making when it comes to taking action towards preventing threats or illness: perceived susceptibility ,perceived severity ,barriers to preventive behavior ,benefits of preventive behavior ,self efficacy ,and cues to action (Riegelman & Kirkwood 2009). By understanding how individuals make decisions based on these concepts we can create more effective messages which will resonate better with our target audience .For example by emphasizing how easy it is for someone with access prescribed opioids become addicted as well as highlighting potential consequences such as death we can help make people aware of the severity of their situation if they choose not abuse medication.
Additionally, I also intend use VARK approach when creating my educational materials since including various modes information gathering allows us reach different types learners . We could incorporate visual elements such infographics or videos emphasize points from our campaign while also providing written resources with facts about addiction prevention online platforms like websites or PDF handouts. Additionally incorporating audio components into program gives us opportunity engage auditory learners through podcasts radio spots . Finally utilizing hands on activities like simulations or workshops bring message home by allowing participants practice proper medication management techniques themselves.(Candy et al.,2009).
By employing both the HBM VARK models in tandem we can create comprehensive educational initiative which will provide valuable information opioid misuse while giving members our constituency tools they need properly manage their medications safely. This type programming should be integral component any public health effort reduce preventable deaths due substance overuse.
