NR 511 Week 6 Barriers to Health Equity

Sample Answer for NR 511 Week 6 Barriers to Health Equity

Barriers to Health Equity 

The CDC released the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Surveillance, 2021 during STI Awareness Week (CDC, 2021). The annual report indicates that infections have continued to increase, posing a threat to the overall health of the nation. In 2021, over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported. This discussion aims to examine the obstacles to achieving health equity in the management of STDs in the state of California. 

Data 

The prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States showed a continued upward trend in 2021. In comparison to 2020, the state of California had an increase in the morbidity of all three bacterial STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) in 2021 (CDC, 2021). The prevalence of STIs continued to show startling differences, with the greatest rates seen among young people (aged 20–34), Black/African American individuals, homosexual and bisexual men, and other individuals who have male–to–male sexual contact (GBMMSC). 

Evidence 

Persaud et al. (2023) found that certain racial or ethnic minority groups exhibit elevated rates of STDs in comparison to the white population. It is crucial to recognize that these elevated rates are not attributable to ethnicity or heritage but rather to social circumstances that disproportionately impact minority populations. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty, income inequality, limited employment opportunities, and low educational attainment, can challenge individuals in maintaining sexual well-being (Tomcho et al., 2022). 

Biases Or Barriers 

In California, there is a notable disparity in the rates of STD infection, with higher prevalence observed among young individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities. Variations in individual risk behaviors cannot entirely account for the variability in infection rates among susceptible populations in this state (Persaud et al., 2023). Numerous additional problems in California, such as financial inequality, environmental injustice, discrimination, microaggressions, and impediments to healthcare access, all contribute to the ongoing disproportionate effect on specific communities. 

Comparison 

In the United States, the prevalence of STDs is substantial, with over 110 million individuals currently affected and an annual incidence of 20 million new infections. Common STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). California has an STD rate of 670.2 cases per 100,000 individuals, placing it as the twenty-seventh state in terms of STD prevalence in the United States (CDC, 2021). Since 2012, there has been a consistent rise in the incidence of STDs in the state, primarily affecting young adults aged 20-34 years. 

Person Centered Actions 

To promote self-care management for marginalized clients with STDs, nurses can encourage patients to adopt practical strategies to avoid risky sexual behavior. These strategies may include using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners, separating drug use from sexual activity, and scheduling regular STI screenings for both the patient and their partner (Tomcho et al., 2022). Patient-centered care is crucial for effectively addressing the needs of patients with STIs, particularly when it comes to sensitive or emotionally charged health concerns. 

Interprofessional Collaboration 

Interprofessional collaboration has the potential to decrease rates of STDs. Medical professionals can collaborate to develop educational materials and initiatives to prevent STDs. Treatment will be overseen by a clinician, such as a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. However, the specific involvement of infectious disease specialists or other specialists may vary depending on the nature of the disease and its progression (Tomcho et al., 2022). Nurses will support patient examinations, provide counseling, and act as intermediaries among interprofessional team members. Psychologists and mental health professionals may also be required to provide expertise in these cases. 

References 

1. (2021). AtlasPlus – Charts. Cdc.gov. https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/nchhstpatlas/charts.htmlLinks to an external site. 

Persaud, N., Sabir, A., Woods, H., Sayani, A., Agarwal, A., Chowdhury, M., Leon-Demare, K. de, Ibezi, S., Jan, S. H., Katz, A., LaFortune, F.-D., Lewis, M., McFarlane, T., Oberai, A., Oladele, Y., Onyekwelu, O., Peters, L., Wong, P., & Lofters, A. (2023). Preventive care recommendations to promote health equity. CMAJ, 195(37), E1250–E1273. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.230237Links to an external site. 

Tomcho, M. M., Lou, Y., O’Leary, S. C., Rinehart, D. J., Thomas-Gale, T., Penny, L., & Frost, H. M. (2022). Closing the equity gap: An intervention to improve chlamydia and gonorrhea testing for adolescents and young adults in primary care. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 13, 215013192211313. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319221131382

Sample Answer 2 for NR 511 Week 6 Barriers to Health Equity

One of the risky behaviors in adolescents and young adults, as you mention, is the strategy of using a condom. There are no valid reasons why the use of condoms was reduced in these groups. Still, many females use long-acting reversible contraceptives, thinking that it will prevent them from pregnancy. Still, they are not aware if they are sexually active with a different partner that, they are more at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (Sieving et al., 2019). The role of healthcare providers in counseling adolescents and young adults is vital to make them aware that the use of condoms and contraceptives will benefit to prevent pregnancy and STDs. 

Reference: 

Sieving, R. E., Gewirtz O’Brien, J. R., Saftner, M. A., & Argo, T. A. (2019). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among US Adolescents and Young Adults: Patterns, Clinical Considerations, and Prevention. The Nursing Clinics of North America, 54(2), 207–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.002 

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Sample Answer 3 for NR 511 Week 6 Barriers to Health Equity

Interprofessional collaboration is essential to help decrease the spread of STDs in the state of California.  With all members of the health care team working together to educate clients on safe sex practices, the client is receiving education at every touch point. Providing education in different ways is also important for example, via pamphlets, ads, posters, verbally and in their after-visit summaries. Using the EMR to identify clients  with high-risk behavior is a way to communicate across the team that there is an educational opportunity for this client. 

As identified in the data you presented from Atlas charts, adolescents are at increased risk for two common STDs, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.  Despite providing adolescents with factual information and access to condoms, studies have shown that they are not applying that knowledge to their sexual behavior (Diclemente, et. al., 2020). It continues to be important for clinics to intensify the efforts to of prevention in the young adults as a strategy to reduce STDs. 

Thank you for such an informative post. 

Reference: 

Diclemente, R.J., Wingood, G.M., Sionean, C., Crosby, R., Harrington, K., Davies, S., Hook III, E., & Oh, K. (2020). Association of adolescents’ history of sexually transmitted disease and their current high-risk behavior and STD status: A case for intensifying clinic-based prevention efforts. Sexually transmitted diseases, 29(9). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.