Population Health, Disparities, and Care Strategies in Nursing

What is population health?

The health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of outcomes within the group.

What are vulnerable populations?

Groups at higher risk for poor health outcomes due to social, economic, or health-related factors.

What are social determinants of health (SDOH)?

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes.

What are the goals of the Healthy People Framework?

To improve health and well-being, eliminate health disparities, achieve health equity, and increase health literacy for all populations.

How does the Healthy People Framework relate to disparities?

It provides national goals and objectives to reduce health inequities and guide interventions targeting vulnerable populations.

What are the 5 components of social determinants of health?

economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context

What are risk factors for vulnerable populations?

Poverty, limited education, chronic illness, disability, minority status, geographic isolation, and low health literacy.

What are health disparities?

Differences in health outcomes and access to care across different population groups.

What programs can reduce health disparities?

Community outreach, policy change, culturally competent care, preventive services, and improved access to health care.

What is the Health Belief Model (HBM)?

Explains health behaviors through perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers.

What is the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)?

Explains behavior as shaped by personal factors, behaviors, and environment; emphasizes self-efficacy and role modeling.

What is the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM)?

A stage-based model: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.

How does risk relate to health?

Risks increase the chance of disease; identifying risks supports prevention and health promotion.

How does health coaching influence wellness?

Encourages self-efficacy, supports behavior change, and helps clients set/achieve health goals.

List healthy behaviors for health promotion and disease prevention

Stress management, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, balanced diet, avoiding risky behaviors.

What do the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend?

A balanced diet with proper portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and limited added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.

What are leading nutrition-related causes of illness in the U.S.?

Obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

Summarize nutrition recommendations for intake

Follow appropriate portion sizes and balance calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals according to guidelines.

How can food labels be used in patient education?

Teach patients to understand serving size, calories, nutrients, and daily value percentages for better choices.

What are reliable sources of dietary information?

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, USDA, CDC, and peer-reviewed nutrition resources.

What is care coordination?

A set of organized activities involving the patient and care team to ensure effective delivery of health services across settings and over time.

What are the three models of care coordination?

1. Social Model - addresses community & daily living needs

2. Medically Oriented Model - diagnosis-driven, focuses on medical care

3. Integrated Model - combines medical and social care for holistic support

What are key elements of communication in nursing?

Clear, consistent, accurate verbal and nonverbal exchanges including listening, empathy, and feedback.

What is a therapeutic relationship in nursing?

A purposeful relationship built on trust, rapport, empathy, and goal-directed communication.

How does health literacy impact self-management?

Low health literacy limits understanding of care instructions, reducing ability to manage disease and promote wellness.

How does culture impact self-management?

Cultural beliefs and practices influence health behaviors, perceptions of illness, and willingness to follow care plans.