Tobacco use, including smoking, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and hookah, is a significant global health concern, causing numerous preventable deaths and illnesses each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths annually (Hollman & Pearce, 2022). Other tobacco products are also a significant health concern, associated with various health issues, including cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Best practices for tobacco cessation include a combination of medication, behavioural therapy, and support from family and friends. These interventions are effective in increasing smoking cessation rates and reducing tobacco use.
Promoting Tobacco Cessation among African American Youth
The hypothetical health promotion plan was completed face-to-face with young African American adults in an urban community. The group comprised 25 individuals from different socioeconomic statuses, genders, and ages. They were interested in learning about the health risks associated with tobacco use and strategies to quit all forms of tobacco, including smoking, vaping e-cigarettes, hookah, and chewing tobacco. Tobacco use is a significant cause of many health problems, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses(Rudrapal et al., 2022). By facilitating an engaging and interactive discussion, individuals better understand the negative impact of tobacco use and motivate them to make informed decisions to promote their health and well-being. I utilized visual aids, interactive activities, and group discussions to create an immersive learning environment that encouraged active participation. By implementing this approach, I was able to effectively communicate the significance of tobacco cessation and promote healthy lifestyle choices among African American young adults.
Demographic Data for the Chosen Population
The chosen hypothetical group for this health promotion plan consists of young African American adults aged 18-24 living in urban areas in the United States. African Americans are disproportionately affected by tobacco use and related health problems, and young adulthood is a critical period for adopting health behaviors that can have long-term consequences (Moore et al., 2021). This group is also relevant because they may face unique challenges related to social determinants of health, including limited access to healthcare, exposure to stressors such as poverty and violence, and structural racism that can increase their vulnerability to tobacco use. Additionally, this group may be more likely influenced by social and cultural factors promoting tobacco use, such as peer pressure and media messaging. Understanding the characteristics of this group and their relevance to the targeted population is critical for developing a successful health promotion plan that meets their specific needs and addresses the underlying social determinants of health that impact their health outcomes.
Characteristics of the Hypothetical Group: Understanding the Targeted Population
The African American young adult population is characterized by diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and employment statuses (Shangani et al., 2019). Many of these young adults may come from low-income families or live in poverty, which can limit access to healthcare, healthy foods, and safe environments. They may also experience high levels of stress due to racism, discrimination, and community violence. This stress can contribute to poor mental health and increase the risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors like tobacco use. Furthermore, African Americans are disproportionately affected by tobacco use and related health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Young adults in this age group may be experimenting with different tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, hookah, and chewing tobacco, which can increase the risk of addiction and long-term health problems. Thus, it is crucial to address tobacco use in this population through effective health promotion strategies tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Health Disparities and Promoting Wellness in African American Young Adults
The chosen population of African American young adults is predisposed to tobacco use and its associated health concerns due to several factors, including cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and limited access to resources for cessation (Chen-Sankey et al., 2019). Additionally, targeted advertising by tobacco companies and the use of menthol-flavored tobacco products marketed explicitly toward the African American community have contributed to higher rates of tobacco use and addiction. A health promotion educational plan can benefit this population by providing information on the risks and consequences of tobacco use, available resources for cessation, and strategies for avoiding triggers and peer pressure to smoke. By empowering this population with knowledge and resources, they can make informed decisions and take control of their health.
Developing a Sociogram for Health Education Planning
To develop a sociogram for this population, I would consider social networks, cultural beliefs, economic status, and lifestyle behaviors that may influence their tobacco use. Specifically, I would gather information on the individual’s social support network, including family, friends, and significant others, and their cultural beliefs and practices related to tobacco use. I would also assess their economic, employment, and educational levels, which may impact their healthcare access and ability to adopt healthier behaviors. Evaluating lifestyle behaviors, including diet, physical activity, and stress management, is vital in promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases (Abe & Abe, 2019). By considering these various factors, I can better understand the individual’s unique circumstances and develop an effective health promotion plan that meets their needs.
Collaborative Goal-Setting for Identifying and Meeting Learning Needs in Nursing Education
The potential learning needs of African American young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas regarding tobacco use cessation may vary depending on their previous experiences, knowledge, and attitudes toward tobacco. Therefore, assessing their individual needs through interactive activities and discussions is crucial to tailor the educational session to meet their specific learning needs. To collaborate with the group on SMART goals, I will ensure that the goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a SMART goal could be to reduce tobacco use by 50% within six months by attending weekly support group meetings and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and mindfulness meditation. Weekly support group meetings and stress-reducing techniques can increase the chances of quitting tobacco use and improving overall health(Waechter et al., 2021). Another SMART goal could be to increase physical activity levels by 30 minutes per day, four times a week for the next three months, to help manage stress and promote overall health and well-being.
Behavior Analysis and Educational Strategies for Meeting Individual/Group Needs
African American young adults aged 18-24 who reside in urban areas in the United States have higher tobacco use rates than other racial and ethnic groups. The educational session should provide clear expectations and suggestions to help them quit smoking or vaping. The educational session should start by discussing the negative health consequences associated with tobacco use, such as lung cancer and heart disease. The session should also provide information on how to quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups. The educational session empowers individuals and groups to take charge of their health and positively change their lives (Abadi et al., 2021). In addition, the session should provide practical tips for managing triggers and stressors that may lead to tobacco use. The educational session should be interactive, culturally appropriate, and delivered in a supportive environment to meet the group’s needs.
References
Abadi, M., Richard, B., Shamblen, S., Drake, C., Schweinhart, A., Bokhour, B., Bauer, R., & Rychener, D. (2021). Achieving whole health: A preliminary study of TCMLH, a group-based program promoting self-care and empowerment among veterans. Health Education & Behavior, 49(2), 109019812110110. https://doi.org/10.1177/10901981211011043
Abe, M., & Abe, H. (2019). Lifestyle medicine – An evidence based approach to nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress management on health and chronic illness. Personalized Medicine Universe, 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmu.2019.05.002
Chen-Sankey, J. C., Unger, J. B., Bansal-Travers, M., Niederdeppe, J., Bernat, E., & Choi, K. (2019). E-cigarette marketing exposure and subsequent experimentation among youth and young adults. Pediatrics, 144(5). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1119
Hollman, M. R., & Pearce, J. M. (2022). Investing to kill: Return on investment of tobacco companies compared to high-mortality and neutral industries. Global Security: Health, Science and Policy, 7(1), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/23779497.2022.2038035
Moore, J. X., Gilbert, K. L., Lively, K. L., Laurent, C., Chawla, R., Li, C., Johnson, R., Petcu, R., Mehra, M., Spooner, A., Kolhe, R., & Ledford, C. J. W. (2021). Correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a community sample of African Americans living in the southern united states. Vaccines, 9(8), 879. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9080879
Rudrapal, M., Maji, S., Prajapati, S. K., Kesharwani, P., Deb, P. K., Khan, J., Mohamed Ismail, R., Kankate, R. S., Sahoo, R. K., Khairnar, S. J., & Bendale, A. R. (2022). Protective effects of diets rich in polyphenols in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced oxidative damages and associated health implications. Antioxidants, 11(7), 1217. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071217
Shangani, S., Gamarel, K. E., Ogunbajo, A., Cai, J., & Operario, D. (2019). Intersectional minority stress disparities among sexual minority adults in the USA: The role of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 22(4), 398–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2019.1604994
Waechter, R., Stahl, G., Rabie, S., Colak, B., Johnson-Rais, D., Landon, B., Petersen, K., Davari, S., Zaw, T., Mandalaneni, K., & Punch, B. (2021). Mitigating medical student stress and anxiety: Should schools mandate participation in wellness intervention programs? Medical Teacher, 43(8), 945–955. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2021.1902966
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