Introduction
Hypertension is a common condition that requires intervention as it is associated with multiple risk factors that can hinder one’s well-being. However, the medical issue is to be confronted based on evidence-based practice since the results are more likely to be successful for the patient. Moreover, assisting an individual in combating hypertension correlates with the consideration of ethical aspects that may create a more favorable environment for recovery. Thus, the current intervention plan encompasses physical, cultural, and psychosocial circumstances that can be addressed through evidence-based practices and community resources available for individuals with hypertension.
Healthcare Issues
While hypertension is an individual condition, multiple healthcare issues can lead to its occurrence. Namely, the current intervention plan will focus on three in particular. A lack of physical activity, psychosocial circumstances, and cultural differences are factors that encompass healthcare issues related to the lack of prevention measures adequate for implementation in a diverse demographic. Increasing physical activity is one of the primary evidence-based interventions recommended for patients with hypertension (Amra et al., 2020). Moreover, data suggests that the cultural background of an individual influence how the condition is perceived and treatment adhered to (Meinema et al., 2017). Furthermore, evidence also portrays that the social environment, such as the involvement of the community and family members, is also detrimental to combating high blood pressure (Pirkle et al., 2018). Several community resources can be applied when assisting an individual in aiming toward a healthier lifestyle which, as a result, is to improve blood pressure issues. The priorities that are to be considered are the physical needs, social and psychological implications, and cultural background of the patient.
Physical Activity
Adding physical exercise can significantly improve the life of an individual with hypertension. A resource that can assist the patient in deciding on the type of activity based on the health condition, age, and other characteristics is the Centers for Disease Control. Namely, the resource provides information on evidence-based practices related to the minimization of hypertension risks based on exercise (CDC, 2021). Needless to say, the resource also highlights the importance of additional evidence-based practices (EBPs), such as coordination of medication and self-measuring of blood pressure.
Another resource that can address the issue is highlighting the possibilities correlating with Community Parks. Community Parks are not only excellent ways for people to exercise by walking but also often provide free or low-cost options for community-based sports interventions such as marathons, swimming competitions, and team sports (NPRA, 2022). Another excellent way to address hypertension is through Community Gardens. Such community initiatives provide people with platforms to perform physical activities, form communities, and access fresh produce (ACGA, 2022). Thus, the physical and social needs of individuals with high blood pressure are addressed.
Psychosocial Circumstances
As mentioned prior, psychosocial circumstances, such as family situations, mental health, and social interactions, have a significant implication on the development of hypertension. Thus, addressing high blood pressure can be achieved by combating said factors. For example, 211 is a community resource that helps individuals in need escape poverty by assisting with bill coverage and food provision (United Way, 2022). As poverty is one social factor that correlates with blood pressure complications, secure living conditions and nutritional needs are effective resources that can assist the patient with basic needs. Two factors that also correlate with hypertension are loneliness and mental health problems, such as depression.
Resources that can address said challenges are linked to volunteer work, which gives individuals with hypertension platforms for interactions with like-minded people as well as a greater purpose. For example, research shows that pet ownership is linked to a reduction in high blood pressure (Surma et al., 2022). Thus, volunteering at local shelters can be an effective way of interacting with animals in case health conditions do not facilitate pet ownership. The activity can be pursued through the community resource linking volunteers to shelters within their communities (ASPCA, 2022). However, individuals with hypertension can pursue other volunteer activities based on their health, cultural, and professional traits through other community services such as Volunteer Match (2022). Thus, individuals may choose to enroll in programs assisting people of a certain background or heritage, which addresses both psychosocial and cultural factors. Moreover, the ethical implications of volunteer work are addressed by granting individuals a choice in the specific aims they are willing to pursue.
Cultural Aspects
It was already highlighted earlier that one’s cultural background is essential to consider during hypertension intervention as it may change the perceived treatment. Thus, the health implications are to align with the beliefs and needs of each individual. Several community resources can be accessed to address limitations such as inequalities in accessing healthcare. Two examples are Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS). PRRAC can assist minorities in obtaining equal healthcare resources and access resources that can minimize the risks of hypertension (Poverty & Race Research Action Council, 2022). The cultural background of an individual is considered as the organization specializing in assisting racial minorities. The latter is a community-based program designed to address the physical activity needs of African American patients with high blood pressure (CHAMPS, 2022). It is also essential to consider cultural factors when contributing to the dietary component of the intervention, as inadequate nutrition is also linked to blood pressure complications. A community resource that can address the healthcare limitation is the African Heritage Diet (OldWays, 2022). The organization constructs meal plans based on traditional African cuisine that are both culturally appropriate and healthy.
Health Policy Provisions and Ethical Considerations
The coordinated plan encompassing physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs fits the health policy provisions highlighted in Healthy People 2030. Namely, the policy implies the consideration of the environments people live in since certain factors correlate with health risks (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). However, several ethical dilemmas are linked to the implications of such strategies. On the one hand, individuals with hypertension may consider such as approach as biased as their cultural background is considered during interventions. On the other hand, such attributes are to be addressed as the results will lead to a more inclusive treatment. Another ethical consideration is the ability of the care providers to cater to the specific needs of patients with hypertension based on their background. However, the limitation has been minimized by specifying specific resources that specifically cater to the healthcare needs of minorities.
Practical Effects
The changes to the initial plan, while still adhering to the healthcare issues, have illustrated a more coordinated and practical plan with direct community resources. The practical implications of each aspect of the intervention are designed to improve the well-being of patients with high blood pressure. Namely, the physical activity intervention is intended to motivate individuals to practice sports based on their preferences and needs, from walking to team sports and swimming. The psychosocial intervention, on the other hand, will have several positive effects, including motivating people to interact with peers and find a greater purpose, which can address both hypertension and mental health challenges. Last but not least, the effects of the interventions based on cultural needs will create an environment in which healthcare services will be based on patient-centered ideals. Individuals will feel heard and understood, while their health requirements will be met based on their individual beliefs and traits.
Conclusion
The intervention that has been discussed is based on three healthcare issues, namely, the lack of physical exercise, consideration of psychosocial attributes, and adherence to the cultural traits of the patients. The changes that have been made to the initial proposal highlight the addition of evidence-based practices and the inclusion of direct community resources that are to be discussed with the patients and their families. As a result, hypertension is addressed through a multi-level intervention that is centered around both direct and indirect risk factors. The immediate factors, such as the lack of physical activity, are combated through sports initiatives that can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Indirect factors, such as mental health, social environment, and cultural background, are to be considered for adherence to the treatment and access to resources to be maximized. The proposed intervention can be evaluated as potentially successful due to its ethical, cultural, and evidence-based consideration regarding the health issues addressed in the initiatives.
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