Group At Risk Population

The notion of groups “at risk” for poor health differs from vulnerable populations. “A population at risk is a population with a common identified risk factor or risk exposure that poses a threat to health (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014, p. 189). For example, a population at risk for cardiovascular disease consists of all adults who are overweight and hypertensive (Stanhope &

Priority population groups refer to the groups within the population that are significantly disadvantaged or are in more risk of illness or chronic disease. These groups are determined by the study of Epidemiology which is studied by observing the health and illness patterns as well as the associated factors dealing with the population. This gives us an accurate overview of who needs more attention within the population. It also gives us an insight in the apparent causes of illness and disease, distribution as well as the prevalence and incidence of the disease. Through epidemiology we have found that the population groups needing attention are; People living in Rural or Remote Areas, Overseas Born People, People with Disabilities, The Elderly, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People (the Indigenous) and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged People (low SES).

The United States of America is the place known to many as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place to start a better life. With any place that has good qualities, some have not so good qualities. The homeless population in the United States is at a staggering high, and many individuals are suffering because many lack employment/financial resources, housing resources, support from family and friends, and others negligence; such as natural disasters or fires. Homeless individuals may have no other choice than to live on the streets, trains, and alley ways to name a few places where homeless people seek shelter. The history of homelessness, social problems, demographics, common clinical

Vulnerability is defined as susceptibility or increased risk for health problems (DeChesnay, 2008).  A group of individuals are considered at higher risk for illness when their physical, emotional, psychological, or social health, is compromised (Aday, 2001).  There are many leading causes for why a population is considered at higher risk; socioeconomic, age, gender, demographics, personal, and cultural backgrounds are some of the key factors (Aday, 2001; Sebation, 1996). Individuals can become vulnerable at any time because of change in life circumstances, placing them at higher risk. One group

access to health, or living below poverty. However, there is a group of them that suffers

Poor health can be mentally, physically, and socially. One component of health can be easily affected by another. Vulnerability is determined by predisposing characteristics, enabling characteristics and need characteristics. They determine the patient’s access to care and influence the individual’s risk of contracting an illness and recovering from an illness. The framework explains those with problems along multiple dimensions health needs are greater than those with problems along single dimensions. The predisposing characteristics are racial and ethnic characteristics. Racial is based on biological characteristics. Ethic refers to the common characteristic in culture, language, nationally, and religion. Gender and age are another predisposing characteristics such as women and children. Lastly, geographic location is a predisposing characteristics and would be consider rural health. The insurance status and is an enabling characteristics. The needs characteristics would be mental health, chronic illness, and disability. It is first important to understand that these distinctive characteristics to grasps and understand vulnerability factors and there can be some co-occurrence can occur. The vulnerability framework is a comprehensive model which factors in individual and ecological attributes of risk. It looks at the total population when exposed to risk and find common ground. Lastly, it

Define a specific health disparity by articulating a population of interest, a comparison group and a specific health issue. Using this information, describe how racism or discrimination may help to explain the health disparity of interest?

In this assignment I will select a vulnerable population sub-group and consider how social science contributes to understanding the social problems encountered by this group. I will do this by firstly explaining and identifying and locating the chosen sub group within the broader societal context. Next by explaining why the chosen sub group is considered to be vulnerable with reference to relevant theory and research based evidence. Then I will be identifying and explaining the role of relevant agencies, both non-governmental organisations and governmental in relation to welfare provision for the chosen sub group. Finally I will discussing the role of social science in informing public health and welfare practice in relation to the chosen

Vulnerable population means a group of population that at greater risk of developing health problems due to their less awareness, availability, and access to needed resources to fulfill their healthy wellbeing requirements. Elderly population, pregnant women, homeless person, population with suicide or homicide prone behavior, substance abuser, persons living with infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, disable and chronically ill patients fall under vulnerable population group. “vulnerable populations are those with a greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized sociocultural status, their limited access to economic resources or their personal characteristics such as age and gender”(Chesnay, M. &. Anderson, B. 2012). People with lower incomes and less education tend to be at higher risk for health problems.

These vulnerable populations according to Shi and Stevens (2005) experience disparities in access to care and have poorer health status than the population as a whole.

Being born into a certain social class may affect your health drastically, a child born in the lower end of the social systems is twice as likely to die in the first few months of their life than a child born in the professional class (6). (See appendix1.1) The well being of a child is also at risk when born lower down in the social scale, their vaccinations and dentist visits are limited. (See appendix1.2)

This essay will discuss ways in which a person’s socioeconomic class and his/her social situation can have an impact on his/her health, using examples. We believe that there is a direct link between socioeconomic/social class and health (Adler et al. 1994). I will be defining the key terms: socioeconomic and health, social class then proceed to discuss about how poverty, income, employability, environment and housing can impact on a person’s social situation and their health.

Vulnerable population is not limited to a specific disease, race, income, or gender. There are different situations that can cause an individual to be classified into this category. A Vulnerable population can also include the neighborhood where an individual resides because healthcare resources may be limited. The focus of this will include the understanding of how the different biases affect the delivery of healthcare to individuals. It will also include a self-reflection of the learning prior and post about the population. It will identify a character and describe how he or she may be identified in a vulnerable population.

One’s stage in the human life cycle is one way predisposing factors might make a person more vulnerable to illness and disease. Environmental factors such as air and water pollution has major predisposing tendencies where one is exposed to illnesses like pulmonary disease and cancer; another major risk factor is the genetic predisposition.

They may feel uncomfortable with their current lifestyle. Also the informational education in this study may increase the level of anxiety about their general health.