Health policy formulation and analysis

Health policy formulation and analysis

Health policy formulation and analysis

Introduction

All communities deserve disease-free lives to live productively and healthily. Despite this universal wish, health problems, including mental disorders, continue to affect health outcomes adversely in many communities. Among many interventions, health policies establish guidelines for improving health outcomes for individuals, communities, or the entire healthcare system. The purpose of this presentation is to explore a healthcare issue in my local community that can be addressed through a health policy. The first major section is a problem statement that explains the issue and the importance of intervening through a health policy. Other vital sections include the problem’s background and landscape, policy options, and the most appropriate solution (recommendations).

Problem Statement

The problem that deserves maximum attention from healthcare professionals and stakeholders is obesity. It is a severe public health concern due to its high prevalence and the potential of impacting health multi-dimensionally. A significant number of mental disorders can be prevented by obesity control and management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) reported that obesity prevalence in the United States was 41.9% between 2017 and 2020. Health policy is crucial to prevent the loss of productivity and well-being associated with obesity. Since health policies promote health in communities, a similar response will be instrumental in protecting the community from mental disorders and chronic diseases.

Background

A critical reflection of the problem of obesity in my local community shows that the progressive change in lifestyle patterns is the primary cause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) also confirmed a positive link between lifestyle and obesity by stating that changes in eating and physical activity patterns are the major causes of obesity. The other causes include illnesses and medications since depression is a risk factor for obesity, and steroids may cause weight gain (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022; Blasco et al., 2020). The implication is that optimal mental health cannot be achieved without addressing the obesity problem. Worse, chronic diseases increase as the obesity rates increase, further increasing healthcare spending.

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Landscape

As a public health concern, obesity is a multidimensional problem. It is multidimensional since its causes, effects, and solutions are diverse. A close reflection of its severity and impacts on the community shows that obesity affects all populations. However, ethnic minorities record the highest prevalence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Health statistics show that obesity rates are likely to continue. Therefore, more people will be affected hence the need for sustainable solutions. It is also crucial to note that obesity hampers nurses’ health and well-being. Generally, the increase in chronic conditions and mental disorders is a leading cause of increased hospital visits (Blasco et al., 2020). As a result, nurses’ workload increases proportionately, exposing them to fatigue and possible burnout.

Options

Numerous policy options can effectively address the obesity problem in the community. The first option is intensive community-wide health education. People should be educated on healthy living and the connection between lifestyles and adverse health outcomes. This requires collaboration between healthcare practitioners and community partners. The other intervention is legislation, including banning fast food advertisements and regulating fast food outlets. It could be an effective strategy since banning fast food advertisements reduces consumption (Wise, 2022). The addition of healthcare professionals in the community health centers is another viable option to help the current workforce address obesity proactively and reactively. Obesity prevention programs such as healthy eating can be implemented in education settings to prevent childhood obesity.

Recommendations

Among the options evaluated and their potential impacts, the most effective include banning fast food advertisements and regulating the number of fast food outlets. Chung et al. (2021) found that unhealthy marketing strategies, such as fast food promotion, influence attitudes and consumption of unhealthy foods. As a result, restricting such promotion would effectively influence healthy eating. The policy intervention is highly effective since it is a legal intervention. Therefore, the chances of success and quick implementation are high. Secondly, banning fast food advertisements is an evidence-based intervention for obesity management. Current research (Chung et al., 2021; Wise, 2022) has found it effective at all levels. Importantly, the policy can be sustained since it is relatively inexpensive to implement.

Summary

Obesity is a significant public health concern that requires a multifaceted approach. It hampers the health and well-being of the entire population and adversely impacts healthcare professionals’ ability to offer optimal health. Policy interventions include legislation, the addition of community health providers, and health education programs. Among them, legislation (laws) that bans fast food advertisements and limits the number of fast food outlets would help to address the obesity menace. Addressing obesity implies success in mental health promotion since obesity is a risk factor for depression. It would also help to reduce chronic diseases and the rising healthcare spending, among other much-needed outcomes.

Health policy formulation and analysis References

• Blasco, B. V., García-Jiménez, J., Bodoano, I., & Gutiérrez-Rojas, L. (2020). Obesity and depression: Its prevalence and influence as a prognostic factor: a systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation, 17(8), 715-724. https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2020.0099
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Adult obesity facts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Causes of obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/causes.html
• Chung, A., Zorbas, C., Riesenberg, D., Sartori, A., Kennington, K., Ananthapavan, J., & Backholer, K. (2022). Policies to restrict unhealthy food and beverage advertising in outdoor spaces and on publicly owned assets: a scoping review of the literature. Obesity Reviews, 23(2), e13386. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13386
• Wise, J. (2022). Junk food advertising bans do help reduce obesity, say researchers. BMJ2022; 378 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o1930

Question description

Health policy formulation and analysis: Choose a topic on which to develop a health policy. This topic may address a needed change in technology, health care literacy, staffing, billing, diagnosis, etc. In a 1,000-1,250-word composition, construct a health policy and analysis according to the following:

1. Use the seven steps of policy formation to construct your health policy framework: (a) define the problem; (b) assemble the evidence of the problem or need for a policy; (c) construct alternative solutions to the problem; (d) select the criteria for choosing the correct solution from the alternatives; (e) predict the outcomes of the policy changes; (f) confront the trade-offs of not having a policy or addressing the problem; and (g) decide on a recommendation.
2. Using the resources found in your textbook, topic readings, and other appropriate resources, explain your health policy’s intended use and evaluate the effect that your policy may have on direct patient care in the United States.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.