Problems that impact populations are vast and now more than ever social media is getting involved.
1. Choose one of the following population health problems to focus on:
a. Substance use and/or abuse
b. Environmental health (air, water, ground, energy, climate, etc.)
i. https://enviro.epa.gov/myenvironment/ Links to an external site.has a wealth of information
c. Violence
d. Abuse
2. Research and share an overview of the current data on this population health problem specific to your community. You must use one (or more) of the resources from the Direct Care Project Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis assignment. You may choose to find additional outside source(s).
Sample Solution
Substance use and abuse refers to the misuse of legal and illegal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, household chemicals, inhalants, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications. Substance use can range from casual or recreational use to a pattern of harmful behaviors that result in physical dependence on the substance. Abuse is characterized by repeated use despite negative consequences. Substance abuse is associated with an increased risk for developing addiction and other health problems including cardiovascular disease, liver damage, lung diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), cancer, HIV/AIDS and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Treatment options vary depending on the type of substance involved but generally include behavioral therapies such as counseling or psychotherapy as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).