Family Health Assessment Part II

Family Health Assessment Part II

Social Determinants of Health Impact on Family Well-being

The quality of one’s living environment, including factors like employment opportunities and access to essential services such as schools, hospitals, and markets, profoundly influences their overall health and well-being. Additionally, the ability to access these services, as well as the level of understanding about available resources, plays a crucial role in shaping family health. Family Health Assessment Part II For individuals who require medical attention due to illness or injury, seeking appropriate healthcare services becomes vital, underscoring the significance of family health literacy. Moreover, the social dynamics within a community, including how individuals interact and the relationships they form, can have a profound impact on their health (Lathrop, 2020). This paper aims to explore the influence of social determinants on family health, recommend age-appropriate screening measures, assess the health model, and propose family-centered health promotion and communication strategies.

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The Influence of Social Determinants on Family Health

Key social determinants that affect health include access to resources that enhance the quality of life, such as safe and affordable housing, public safety, access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and a secure environment. Fortunately, the family resides in a safe and desirable neighborhood in the built-up area of Seattle, Washington State. Their community boasts excellent social amenities, including schools, easily accessible healthcare facilities, nearby markets with nutritious food options, and a supportive social network of friends and Family Health Assessment Part II. The family’s health literacy, coupled with their access to healthcare services through insurance coverage, enables them to seek appropriate medical care (Friedman & Banegas, 2018). However, it’s essential to note that their insurance may not cover all healthcare expenses, potentially leading to concerns about out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the neighborhood and built environment play a role in determining living conditions, as factors such as the availability of nutritious food, crime rates, environmental pollutants, and community violence can impact family health.

Age-Appropriate Screening Recommendations

For children, several screening tools are applicable, including the Age and Stages Questionnaire, Child Development Inventory, and Brigance Screen II. These tools can effectively identify developmental delays, as well as assess physical, motor, and language skills in children. Among adult family members, there is no prevalent physical or mental health issue that necessitates a specific screening tool. However, it is crucial to focus on assessing potential abuse among children, given their vulnerability. Evaluating their emotional and behavioral responses can help determine if they have experienced any form of abuse (Lathrop, 2020). The choice of screening tools should be based on the healthcare provider’s judgment, taking into account the family members’ willingness to answer questions honestly. Additionally, the family’s level of education should be considered, as effective communication and phrasing of questions require an understanding of their educational background.

The Health Model and Action Plan

The socio-ecological model offers an ideal framework for assessing social determinants of health, as it examines health dynamics within various contexts, including home, work, school, and play, among family members. According to this model, family behaviors are influenced by factors both within and outside their household, with attitudes significantly shaping their responses. Peer influences, neighborhood dynamics, workplace conditions, and familial relationships should all be explored using the socio-ecological model. This approach is particularly suitable for the family, as it recognizes that behavioral changes depend on members’ readiness, motivation, and social abilities (Khatri & Karkee, 2018). Additionally, the model encompasses various activities that help evaluate the impact of change on the family, including cost-benefit analyses. It also addresses health practices suitable for the family, such as exercise, routine checkups, and healthy eating habits Family Health Assessment Part II.

Family-Centered Health Promotion and Communication Strategies

Family-centered health promotion includes fostering a supportive family system, providing social support, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and offering family therapy. A supportive family system meets individuals’ essential needs, including proper nutrition and basic healthcare. Social support systems aid members in coping with psychosocial challenges, contributing to optimal mental and physical health. Available family therapy provides a safe space for members to express their concerns, including emotional issues and frustrations, helping them maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and adhere to social norms (Friedman & Banegas, 2018). Effective communication within the family involves open and collaborative engagement among its members, enabling them to share concerns and participate in various health-related discussions.

Conclusion

In summary, social determinants of health significantly influence family health status, impacting health decisions, self-care attitudes, and access to care. For instance, an individual’s living environment may expose them to specific health risks, while economic stability can influence housing choices. Many social determinants of health are interconnected, and understanding these connections is essential (Lathrop, 2020). During the screening process, effective communication with family members is crucial, with active listening involving intonation, language used, facial expressions, body language, and interaction. The socio-ecological model proves valuable for assessing social determinants of health within the family context. Additionally, family-centered health promotion encompasses various elements, including a supportive family system, social support, affordable healthcare, and family therapy.

References

Lathrop, B. (2020). Moving toward health equity by addressing social determinants of health. Nursing for Women’s Health, 24(1), 36-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2019.11.003

Friedman, N. L., & Banegas, M. P. (2018). Toward addressing social determinants of health: a health care system strategy. The Permanente Journal, 22. https://doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-095. PMCID: PMC6207437.

Khatri, R. B., & Karkee, R. (2018). Social determinants of health affecting utilisation of routine maternity services in Nepal: a narrative review of the evidence. Reproductive Health Matters, 26(54), 32-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/09688080.2018.1535686  Family Health Assessment Part II