Introduction
Access to healthcare is a basic human right that should be available to all individuals, irrespective of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a vital role in shaping individual and family health outcomes. SDOH are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their overall health and quality of life. This essay will analyze the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) affecting the Lopez family, suggest age-appropriate screenings for each member, select a health model for planning, and outline steps for family-centered health promotion.
Social Determinants of Health Affecting the Lopez Family
The Lopez family’s health is impacted by social determinants of health (SDOH), such as stress, financial insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. These factors can lead to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension and also affect their ability to access healthy food and safe housing (Hill-Briggs et al., 2021). The family may delay seeking medical care due to cost, leading to untreated illnesses and worse health outcomes.
Age-appropriate screenings for Each Family Member
Based on the family health assessment, the following screening tests are recommended for each family member: Maria (age 37): Should undergo a physical exam, including a breast exam and cervical cancer screening. She should also discuss any family history of heart disease or other medical conditions with her healthcare provider; mental health screening may also be beneficial. Luis (age 15): Blood pressure screening and mental health screening. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, and early detection is crucial for effective management. Mental health screening is essential for identifying mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are prevalent in adolescents. Juan (age 11): Vision screening and also a dental checkup. Vision screening is essential to detect visual impairments that may impact academic performance and overall quality of life. Dental checkups prevent oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease (Sokol, 2019). Isabel (age 8): Needs a hearing screening and developmental screening. Hearing screening is essential to identify hearing impairments that may impact speech and language development. Developmental screening is crucial for identifying developmental delays early and ensuring timely interventions.
Health Model Selection
The health model selected for this family is the Family Systems Theory (FST). FST is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of family members and how their interactions and relationships impact their health outcomes (Suppes, 2022). FST is the best choice for this family because it recognizes the importance of the family unit in shaping individual and family health outcomes, which aligns with the Lopez family’s cultural values.
Family-Centered Health Promotion Plan
The following steps outline a family-centered health promotion plan for the Lopez family using FST: Step 1: The first step in developing a family-centered health promotion plan is identifying the family’s strengths and challenges. The Lopez family’s strengths include their healthy nutrition and sleep patterns and their open communication and support for each other. Their challenges include financial insecurity, stress, and access to healthcare. Step 2: Set goals and objectives that align with the family’s strengths and challenges. The following goals and objectives are recommended for the Lopez family:
- Goal 1: Improve financial stability.
- Objective 1: Maria will work with a financial counselor to create a budget and savings plan.
- Goal 2: Reduce stress.
- Objective 1: The family will engage in stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness exercises, family walks, and quality time together.
- Goal 3: Improve access to healthcare.
- Objective 1: Maria will research and enroll the family in low-cost or no-cost health insurance programs.
- Objective 2: The family will identify a primary care physician and schedule regular checkups and preventative screenings.
Step 3: Develop an action plan to achieve the identified goals and objectives. The following actions are recommended for the Lopez family:
- Action 1: Financial stability. Maria will meet with a financial counselor to create a budget and savings plan. The family will identify areas where they can reduce expenses, such as meal planning and coupon clipping. The family will explore income-boosting opportunities, such as Maria seeking additional part-time work or selling homemade crafts.
- Action 2: Reduce stress. The family will engage in stress-reducing activities such as daily meditation and breathing exercises. The family will take regular walks together to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. The family will schedule regular family outings and activities that promote bonding and relaxation, such as movie nights or picnics.
- Action 3: Improve access to healthcare. Maria will research and enroll the family in low-cost or no-cost health insurance programs.
The family will identify a primary care physician and schedule regular checkups and preventative screenings. The family will investigate community health resources such as free or low-cost clinics and health fairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly shape individual and family health outcomes. This essay analyzes SDOH affecting the Lopez family, suggests age-appropriate screenings for each member, selects a health model for planning, and outlines steps for family-centered health promotion. The Lopez family faces stress, financial insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare. Age-appropriate screenings and a Family Systems Theory health model are recommended. An action plan with goals and objectives is outlined to improve financial stability, reduce stress, and improve access to healthcare.
References
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A.,… & Haire-Joshu, D. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes care, 44(1), 258-279. Web.
Sokol, R., Austin, A., Chandler, C., Byrum, E., Bousquette, J., Lancaster, C.,… & Shanahan, M. (2019). Screening children for social determinants of health: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 144(4). Web.
Suppes, B. C. (2022). Family systems theory simplified: Applying and understanding systemic therapy models. Taylor & Francis.