NR_553 Week 2 Discussion, Burden of Disease

Unsafe Sex: Burden of Disease NAME Chamberlain College of Nursing NR 553: Global Health Policy DATE Discuss one of the leading risk factors that cause the greatest burden of disease in a high-mortality developing region, as well as one associated implication for health policy. Week 2: Burden of Disease According to Murray and Lopez (2013), for the effective promotion of population health, it is fundamental to understand the critical challenges affecting health systems as well as how the issues are changing. The World Health Organization accordingly launched the Global Burden of Disease Study to facilitate consistency in the appraisal of available data on the global burden of disease, injury, and risk factors. Consequently, it promotes the alignment of health systems and policies to the needs of the population. According to Forouzanfar et al. (2015), unsafe sex is one of the risk factors that cause a massive burden of disease in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa such as Kenya and South Africa. Nabikindu (2014), explains that unprotected sex has numerous detrimental health effects in this region due to the high prevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections and Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Disease (AIDS). The risks in mainly elevated by the fact that HIV/AIDs increase the susceptibility to other diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, subsequently raising morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, conditions which would otherwise be considerably less life-threatening become significant health concerns, due to reduced immunity levels. Pregnancy risk is also significantly high in sub-Saharan Africa due to the socio-economic and physiological complication such as high maternal injury and mortality rates. Policies aiming at reducing unsafe sex such as through the use of condoms would significantly reduce the burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa. According to Nabikindu (2014), the use of condoms is significantly low among the adolescent in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa despite extensive knowledge and approval of condoms. It is vital that investments in the creation of awareness of the risks posed by unsafe sex as well as the benefits of using condoms are increased. Further, campaigns encouraging limiting sex partners through such ways as having monogamous sexual relationships would be helpful. The provision of free condoms would also help increase their use. References Forouzanfar, M. H., Alexander, L., Anderson, H. R., Bachman, V. F., Biryukov, S., Brauer, M., & Delwiche, K. (2015). Global, Regional, and National Comparative Risk Assessment of 79 Behavioural, Environmental and Occupational, And Metabolic Risks or Clusters of Risks In 188 Countries, 1990–2013: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. The Lancet, 386(10010), . Murray, C. J., & Lopez, A. D. (2013). Measuring the global burden of disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(5), 448-457. Nabikindu, N. R. (2014). Health problems due to unsafe sex among youths: Condom use negotiation and consistent use, one way to address them. MOJ Public Health, 1(1), 00002. PROFESSOR RESPONSE TO POST: Thank you Carole. The consequences of unprotected sex can be devastating for many. Are there countries that are having success with health policies to address this issue? Please share what you find. Thanks, Dr. Fildes RESPONSE TO PROFESSOR: Dr. Fildes and Leslie, In Europe, countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France have reported lower rates of STD's, but also has lower rates of unintended pregnancies compared to the U.S. (Lottes, 2002). The government and the public of these countries believe it is their responsibility to provide accurate information and confidential contraceptive services to the young, but also that delivery of such services and information to adolescents is part of their right. The goal of respecting teenager’s rights to independence and privacy will thereby empower them to make responsible decisions to try to avoid pregnancy and STDs (Lottes, 2002). In the Nordic countries, public health policy is based on public health research, input from well-trained sex educators and these countries provide national health insurance that covers most of the costs of contraceptives and related services (Lottes, 2002). The accessibility of sexual health services gives adolescents the opportunity to take advantage of preventive health measures. In the Netherlands, Dutch policymakers use research, rationality, and an ethical approach that tries to teach responsibility in sexual decision making as the basis for their sexual health programs (Lottes, 2002). The goal is to encourage adolescents to engage in open discussions, educate, and instill a sense of responsibility. To promote public awareness the Dutch government also use mass media campaigns to reduce stigma about sexual health. Finland is an example of a country whose changes in sexual health policy resulted in better indicators of sexual health for its population. Five factors that attribute to positive sexual health outcomes in Finland include; the use of preventive approaches in public health; a change of focus from abortion to the prevention of its main cause, unintended pregnancy; excellent cooperation and coordination between the health and education sectors; strong and skilled guidance from the national health authorities; and professional attitudes and skills of nurses and doctors in sex education and family planning (Lottes, 2002). Experts believe that an emphasis on frank, open discussions, an early, comprehensive sex education program in schools, mass media intervention programs that promote public awareness, and public discussions have helped keep STD levels low, according to public health officials. References Lottes, I. L. (2002). Sexual health policies in other industrialized countries: Are there lessons for the United States?. Journal of Sex Research, 39(1), 79-83. RESPONSE TO A PEER POST: Obesity and its risk factors impact the lives of many people around the globe. In children, obesity has been linked to higher healthcare costs and a multitude of obesity-related conditions including but not limited to hypertension, mental disorders, metabolic disorders, and joint pain (Caple & Heering, 2018). Amy, I agree that obesity is a public health problem that has become epidemic worldwide. A public health approach to developing population-based strategies for the prevention of excess weight gain is of great importance. As healthcare professionals, we know that health care costs related to obesity are substantial due to major comorbidities that include Type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, orthopedic disorders, various cancers, and psychosocial disorders (Kar, Dube, & Kar, 2014). Prevention for children means maintaining a healthy weight trajectory and preventing excess weight gain while growing, developing, and maturing. Diet control, behavioral changes, and physical activity are important strategies against the battle of childhood obesity. A public health approach to develop population-based strategies for the prevention of excess weight gain in children and adults should target factors contributing to obesity, should be multifaceted, and actively involve different levels of stakeholders. Potential policy areas to the development and implementation of such strategies should cross from the home environment to a broader policy level of socioeconomic environments. Reference Kar, S. S., Dube, R., & Kar, S. S. (2014). Childhood obesity-an insight into preventive strategies. Avicenna Journal of Medicine, 4(4), 88–93.