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Applying Epidemiology to Program Design for Chronic Disease

To overcome the complex challenges advanced in the chronic disease management of today, clever approaches that unite epidemiologic principles with evidence-based practice must be employed. The clear evidence of the urgency for healthcare interventions to address chronic conditions stems from the two-pronged dilemma of the overwhelming number of uninsured persons and the chronic ailment-laden population (Timpel et al., 2020). Among these chronic conditions, type 2 diabetes can be considered the gravest public health concern as it impacts millions of people in the population, and it is more burdensome among the Hispanic/Latino population who live in urban areas. This community has several unique challenges to its health and health services delivery, such as cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic difficulties that require particular interventions to improve health status (Cordero et al., 2022). This proposal aims at improving blood sugar control among adult Hispanics/Latinos with type 2 diabetes through an integrated and culturally sensitive approach. It describes a culturally relevant intervention designed to assist Hispanic/Latino adults living in urban areas to control their blood sugar with type 2 diabetes by using epidemiological principles and evidence-based approaches in managing complex diseases.

Selected chronic health issues and population.

Type 2 diabetes represents a significant public health issue in Hispanic and Latino adults, especially in the case of those who live in severely urbanized areas. This subpopulation experiences increased susceptibility to the disease due to genetic predisposition, adverse behaviors, and lack of medical services while still dealing with issues of social inequality and economic disparities (Martinez et al., 2024). In urban settings where speed, lifestyles, and resources are imbalanced, Hispanic/Latino adults face an increased number of barriers to diabetes prevention, management, and care, such as age and education (Tong et al., 2020). Applying the complexities of type 2 diabetes within this demographic would involve an in-depth recognition of cultural, linguistic, and social determinants of health, which will help develop interventions that take the factors mentioned above into account and promote quality health outcomes.

Geographic region and essential characteristics of this population.

Our chosen community population of Hispanic/Latino adults living in urban areas, especially in major cities like New York City, envelopes some significant severe issues. Those disparities can be socioeconomic, where most people face economic problems and limited opportunities (Tong et al., 2020). Language barriers present additional barriers to healthcare access and comprehension, and the person with health issues may have no option but to miscommunicate with the healthcare providers. Cultural aspects also determine health behavior, which impacts dietary habits, physical activity patterns, and sickness perception. All these features combined stress the fact that bringing a resolution to health problems like type 2 diabetes in this population setting may be pretty complicated. It needs cultural as well as resource-related solutions that are tailored for every individual.

Patterns of the disease using the epidemiologic characteristics of person, place, and time.

The Hispanic/Latino adults show significantly different epidemiological patterns relating to type 2 Diabetes, characterized by higher prevalent cases coupled with greater risk compared to the non-Hispanic white adults. This imbalance is hence exhibited in multiple age categories in the case of the Hispanic community, with the adults having a much more severe strain of the disease. Many of these factors favour the transmission and perpetuation of the disease, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and sociocultural and economic determinants of health. Urban areas close to neighborhoods where Spanish heritage is prevalent suffer from a disease whose statistics are significantly higher than those of regions located farther away, such as the suburbs and rural areas (Pekmezaris et al., 2020). In urban settings, the characteristics of the environment, such as inadequate access to healthy foods and limited options for physical activities, may amplify the risk factors of diabetes among Hispanics and Latinos. Furthermore, during the last 30 years, a disturbing increase in the rates of type 2 diabetes among Hispanic/Latino adults was seen, illustrating a steady worsening of the public health situation among the population group in question (Li et al., 2022). Such epidemiologic patterns revealed the issue requiring the vaccination and healthcare strategy to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of Hispanic individuals in controlling type 2 diabetes.

One health outcome you would like to improve for the population.

One of the critical health outcomes for this Hispanic/Latino population is that the percentage of adults having their blood sugar level maintained below 7% should be boosted simultaneously (Pekmezaris et al., 2020). This objective is of critical importance since the tremendous surge of type 2 diabetes among Hispanic individuals makes it a substantial public health problem accompanied by diabetes-related complications. Through efforts that are targeted toward the optimal control of blood glucose, the interventions attempt to reduce the incidence and propagation of complications such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and neuropathies, which are common among people with diabetes. In addition, over-controlling glycemic levels will significantly improve persons with Hispanic/Latino descent type 2 diabetes overall health condition and quality of life (Martínez et al., 2024). Therefore, determining the proportion of individuals with controlled blood sugar levels gives rise to the possibility of diminishing morbidity and mortality related to diabetes in Hispanic/Latino communities considerably.

Current evidence supports the importance of improving this health outcome.

Research shows the cardinal role of glycemic control along with the lower rate of diabetes-related complications among Hispanic adults suffering type 2 diabetes. A constant search for maintaining controlled blood sugar levels is well known in the research to be associated with a lower probability of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and neuropathy (Martinez et al., 2024). Research has shown that better control of glucose levels substantially reduces the rates of both complications and worsening of disease, thereby improving the overall health of people with type 2 diabetes and their quality of life (Pekmezaris et al., 2020). Another way is through proper management of blood sugar levels to cut down on the economic burden of diabetes due to high healthcare expenses and productivity loss. Grappling with the increased susceptibility of Hispanic/Latino adults to type 2 diabetes and the complications, the implementation of measures that would bring the blood sugar levels down appears to have significant potential in reducing the lingering health disparities within this ethnic subgroup.

Evidence-based program and why this approach will best fit the population’s needs.

The evidence-based program being developed mainly looks into focused culture-oriented methods of teaching diabetes education, promoting lifestyle modifications, and better healthcare accessibility among Hispanic/Latino adults who have type 2 diabetes. Such an approach is of utmost significance in meeting the unique requirements and tastes of this minority segment of the population. It could include language barriers, cultural beliefs, and marginalization issues (Martinez et al., 2024). Implementing diabetes education materials and interventions tailored to Americanized cultural norms and customs of Hispanics/Latinos is the aim of the program, which pursues higher rates of patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. Furthermore, the lifestyle intervention will provide diet preferences and cultural practices with modifications that will be used to promote healthy ways of controlling blood sugar. To address the cultural and social determinants of health that are unique for Hispanic/Latin adults with type 2 diabetes, the program is meant to holistically and sufficiently aid this vulnerable population to improve further their health outcomes (Dhir et al., 2024). The program will concentrate on culturally related diabetes education, lifestyle change programs, and needed access to healthcare. This method underscores the importance of accommodating the specific needs and choices of Hispanic adult people, such as speaking barriers, cultural perceptions, and health determinants of society.

Explain what data you need to collect and how you would obtain and analyze it.

The development and evaluation of the proposed program can only be accomplished with a varied dataset comprising essential indicators. This data collection will be done by using primary data source methods, including surveys, interviews, and health screenings, and the aim will be to find out participants’ HbA1c levels, age, gender, access to healthcare services, dietary habits, and physical activity they do (Li et al., 2022). The employment of direct interaction with participants through primary data collection methods provides a significant opportunity to gain insight into their life experiences and opinions. Another data source will be secondary data from electronic health records, census data, and community health assessments, which will be used to add contextual information to the population under study. Then, the applied statistical methods will be used to analyze the combined dataset and determine the trends, disparities, and factors affecting blood sugar control among Hispanic/Latino adults (Martinez et al., 2024). This data approach brings together both data collection and data analysis at the same time, thus giving a clear overview of the health status and needs of the population, which, in turn, helps develop targeted interventions to ensure better blood glucose control outcomes.

Using the “SMART” method, write the program’s short- and long-term objectives.

The short-term goal is that during the 6-month program, there would be a 15% increase in the proportion of Hispanic/Latino people whose blood sugar levels are controlled using culturally altered diabetes education workshops. These trainings will deliver information and skills specific to their cultural upbringing, leading to their improved cognizance and attitude towards adherence to diabetes management strategies. The long-term goal is to reduce the average HbA1c levels by a metric of 1.0% within the next two years by the end of the two-year program (Li et al., 2022). This reduction will be made possible by implementing sustained lifestyle shifts and enhanced access to healthcare services. With the view to extend lifestyle changes in diet patterns, physical activities, and medication intake, the program also includes improving healthcare availability and utilization. By doing this, the program strives to achieve a meaningful progression in blood sugar control levels. These goals comply with the SMART criteria in the sense of being specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, which assure the achievement of the program’s end goal.

Identify the stakeholders who should be involved in program planning.

Program planning needs stakeholders of different backgrounds interested in determining the best way to meet their community’s healthcare needs for type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers serve as the providers of clinical services and evidence-based intervention implementation, making their input invaluable. Consequently, community health organizations also provide the necessary resources and support services to match the requirements of the targeted population (Martinez et al., 2024). Local government agencies are the key players in policy-making, allocation of funds, and collaborative efforts among the diverse sectors to tackle health disparities. Cultural non-profit organizations play the role of a trusted voice within the Hispanic/Latino community by providing historical and cultural literature to foster engagement among residents. Diabetes advocacy groups advocate for policy changes, raise awareness, and provide support networks for people with diabetes. Finally, including the Hispanic/Latino group members will make the programs culturally sensitive, accommodate the community needs, and result in variable participation and involvement from people who feel that they are part of the community. Working hand in hand with these stakeholders is an approach that develops a holistic plan and makes the program relevant, effective, and sustainable in the future (09, Cordero et al., 2022).

Program planning model

The implementation of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model, a structured and thorough planning model, assists in addressing the complicated factors underlying diabetes among Hispanic/Latino adults. This model matches the program’s purpose well as it illustrates the importance of the linear planning, implementation, and review process. In the planning phase, the target group will conduct a detailed survey addressing predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors leading to blood sugar control (Curley, 2020). This evaluation will guide the creation of culturally specific programs that improve the risk factors, such as diet, physical activity, and medication adherence, and strengthen implementation; the program will utilize community partnerships and resources to deliver interventions successfully and involve the participants. Process and outcomes evaluation metrics will be employed throughout the program to determine its effectiveness and ensure its sustainability (Curley, 2020). This will require monitoring the implementation fidelity, participant engagement, and health outcomes to determine whether the program is meeting its objectives and causing a significant improvement in blood sugar control for Hispanic/Latino adults.

Relevant cultural or ethical considerations related to the program design.

When designing the program, various cultural and ethical considerations must be addressed to ensure the program’s relevance, effectiveness, and ethicality. From an artistic standpoint, showing a great deal of reverence for different religious and social notions concerning health and illness that the Hispanic/Latino community holds is crucial. This can be achieved through language-appropriate learning materials and interventions that allow effective communication and learning among the participants. Engaging community leaders and cultural brokers is the other key aspect that ensures the program is culturally competent and exquisite to the specific needs of the intended population. Ethically, it is essential to maintain principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice throughout the program. This involves gaining patient consent and explaining the objective, risks, and benefits and what part they will be playing in the research.

Furthermore, protecting participant confidentiality is fundamental to building grounds for trust and respect for privacy. Helping to redress the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes would be vital in promoting a fair and just society within the community envisioned. Through the examination of these cultural and ethical elements, the program can successfully involve and empower Hispanic/Latino diabetes adults while preserving ethical standards and improving health equity.

Program Funding.

Gaining appropriate funding is fundamental for the accomplishment of the program. A multiple pronged approaches will be used from different networking spheres to solicit funding. One of the primary sources of financing would be grants from government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the first step. Some of these agencies give grants that target the solutions to public health problems, which include chronic disease prevention and management (Cordero et al., 2022).

Another aspect is to approach private foundations that support healthcare activities close to the program’s objectives for providing grants to the program. Corporate sponsorships offer one more way of financing, as businesses and companies may be keen to support initiatives that contribute to community health improvement and well-being, especially for those under-served (Dhir et al., 2024). In addition, community-based fundraising events can assist in acquiring support from local citizens and companies, thereby creating a feeling of belonging, ownership, and support for the program. Working with local healthcare institutions is no less of a priority than providing together the resources and experts that extend the pro, gram’s reach and minimize the expenses. Diversification of funding sources and usage of existing resources will help the program get the necessary financial support to implement the needed programs that will address the type 2 diabetes health issue among Hispanic/Latino adults.

Strategies that would be appropriate for marketing the program.

A holistic approach will be adopted to promote the project’s efficacy in representing and expanding the Hispanic/Latino community. Community outreach events will be the main focus, as they provide a platform for direct interaction with the community members, raise awareness about chronic disease prevention and management, and offer educational sessions on diabetes prevention and management (Martinez et al., 2024). The events will be arranged and conducted in specific locations densely populated by the target demographic, such as community centers, churches, and local fairs, to ensure that the events attract the most excellent attention and participation. Social media campaigns will complement offline strategies, including using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread information and showcase success stories and news of upcoming events (Dhir et al.,2024). Culturally relevant content like flyers, brochures, and posters will be essential resources in English and Spanish to make them applicable to the community. The media materials that this program will use will include culturally tailored images, texts, and messages to render the program objectives and benefits comprehensively.

Networking and linkage with local media, through newspapers, radio, and television stations, will be developed to secure coverage and feature stories demonstrating the program’s impact and success within the Hispanic/Latino community. This will not only amplify its mission but also allow the program to reach a more significant number of people. (Dhir et al., 2024) The program will be promoted through the existing participants, influential community leaders, and primary healthcare providers who can serve as the program’s most trusted advisers. Engagement with community leaders, medical professionals, and well-known individuals will be crucial in establishing credentials and creating trust among the community. This group will endorse the program, share information within their networks, and mobilize their constituents to join the movement. Coordinated and sensitive to cultural delivery of the above strategies aim at the maximum program’s visibility, engagement, and impact within the Hispanic/Latino community, eventually fostering community awareness and uptake of diabetes prevention and management efforts.

Conclusion

The program offers a holistic solution to the medical problems of Hispanic/Latino adults with type 2 diabetes by applying culturally appropriate interventions, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. This initiative targets improving blood sugar regulation and diagnosing the health inequity issues and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, acknowledging the importance and role of individuals in their health and contributing to the existing communities. In this initiative, success will be ascribed to the successful participation of stakeholders and the utilization of empirical strategies, which make meaningful alterations to diabetes management and promote equity in the health of the Hispanic/Latino population.

References

Cordero, C., Schneiderman, N., Llabre, M. M., Teng, Y., Daviglus, M. L., Cowie, C. C., … & Avilés-Santa, L. (2022). Diabetes incidence among Hispanic/Latino adults in the Hispanic community health study/study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Diabetes care45(6), 1482-1485. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-1543

Curley, A. L. C. (Ed.). (2020). Population-based nursing: Concepts and competencies for advanced practice (3rd ed.). Springer. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Irina-Mckeehan-Campbell/publication/298971459

Dhir, P., Evans, T. S., Drew, K. J., Maynard, M., Nobles, J., Homer, C., & Ells, L. (2024). Views, perceptions, and experiences of type 2 diabetes or weight management programs among minoritized ethnic groups living in high‐income countries: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Obesity Reviews, e13708. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13708

Li, S., Yin, Z., Lesser, J., Li, C., Choi, B. Y., Parra-Medina, D., … & Wang, J. (2022). Community health worker-led mHealth-enabled diabetes self-management education and support intervention in rural Latino adults: a single-arm feasibility trial. JMIR diabetes7(2), e37534. https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/37534?__hstc=255878302.9305f35e72a442132c89c40ec7ea329d.1714460155731.1714460155731.1714460155731.1&__hssc=255878302.1.1714460155732&__hsfp=1378183581

Martinez, S., Nouryan, C. N., Williams, M. S., Patel, V. H., Barbero, P., Correa Gomez, V., … & Pekmezaris, R. (2024). Ensuring fidelity: key elements to consider in disseminating a diabetes telemanagement program for underserved Hispanic/Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare5, 1328993. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1328993

Pekmezaris, R., Williams, M. S., Pascarelli, B., Finuf, K. D., Harris, Y. T., Myers, A. K., … & Granville, D. (2020). Adapting a home telemonitoring intervention for underserved Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes: an acceptability and feasibility study. BMC medical informatics and decision making20, 1–14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12911-020-01346-0

Timpel, P., Lang, C., Wens, J., Contel, J. C., Schwarz, P. E., & MANAGE CARE, Study Group. (2020). The Manage Care Model–Developing an Evidence-Based and Expert-Driven Chronic Care Management Model for Patients with Diabetes. International journal of integrated care20(2). https://doi.org/10.5334%2Fijic.4646

Tong, T., Myers, A. K., Bissoonauth, A. A., Pekmezaris, R., & Kozikowski, A. (2020). Identifying the barriers and perceptions of non-Hispanic black and Hispanic/Latino persons with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes for participation in a home Telemonitoring feasibility study: a quantitative analysis of those who declined participation, withdrew, or were non-adherent. Ethnicity & Health25(4), 485–494. https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1080/13557858.2019.1566520

 

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