For this assignment you will select a public health issue from the provided resource, “List of Public Health Topics.” In 500-750 words, address the following:
The purpose of this assignment is to gain an understanding of the assignments in this class by watching the welcome video and selecting a public health issue that you will discuss in upcoming assignments.
For this assignment you will select a public health issue from the provided resource, “List of Public Health Topics.” In 500-750 words, address the following:
- Reflect on the welcome video, “PUB-620 Public Health Project and Overview of Assignments,” located in the Topic 1 Resources. Describe two things that you learned about this course.
- Describe the public health issue you selected. Include who is most affected and factors that contribute to the health issue.
- Describe the community and region to be assessed: Your community can be defined by geography (e.g., neighborhood, city, state) or by specific population of focus (e.g., immigrants, race/ethnic group, elderly).
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
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 LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Reflection and Selection of Public Health Issue
Reflection on the Welcome Video
The introductory video highlights how assignments are organized to lead to a comprehensive public health project and gives a clear overview of the goals for this course. The training is very applicable and practical, emphasizing not only academic knowledge but also putting evidence into practice. This is one of the main lessons to be learned from the video. It is expected of students to choose a real-world public health problem and create a project that could be used to plan or guide community initiatives. This practical method illustrates how crucial it is to relate what is learned in the classroom to actual public health issues.
The assignments’ step-by-step format, which leads students through every phase of project development, is another important takeaway from the movie. Instead of addressing the project as one major deliverable, the assignments are separated into smaller, manageable components such as needs assessments, intervention planning, and evaluation strategies. This method guarantees that students are progressively exposed to the abilities and information needed to create a successful public health project, while simultaneously offering chances for them to get feedback and improve their work as they go. Because of these characteristics, the course is both demanding and encouraging, giving students skills that they may use right away in their professional lives.
Selected Public Health Issue: Type II Diabetes
Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a chronic condition that presents major obstacles in both prevention and management, is the public health issue I have selected to concentrate on for this course (Wagenknecht et al., 2023). The hallmark of type 2 diabetes is the body’s ineffective use of insulin, which raises blood glucose levels and can cause serious problems like kidney failure, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and eyesight loss if left unchecked. With over 37 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes and millions more at risk from prediabetes, the prevalence of the disease is still on the increase in the US.
Community and Region to Be Assessed
Black Americans are the group most disproportionately impacted by Type II diabetes. Research continuously demonstrates that Black Americans have greater prevalence, complications, and mortality rates from diabetes than do White Americans. This discrepancy is caused by a number of reasons (Hill-Briggs et al., 2022). A major part is played by social determinants of health, which include less access to reasonably priced healthcare, a lower socioeconomic position, food insecurity, and fewer possibilities for safe physical activity. These difficulties are made worse by historical and cultural elements, such as systemic healthcare disparities and mistrust of medical systems.
Furthermore, the increased incidence of diabetes in this community are a result of a combination of lifestyle risk factors such obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity, as well as genetic predisposition (Walker et al., 2022). This focus on the Black community is particularly important because addressing diabetes in this population has the potential for broad, positive ripple effects.
Conclusion
This course offers the chance to develop a useful, empirically supported public health project that is based on both research and practical implementation. Given the disproportionate burden that Black Americans bear and the significance that social variables play in maintaining inequities, the problem of Type II diabetes within this group is especially critical. The project will aid in the creation of strategies that address the management of chronic diseases and advance health equity by concentrating on this group. The course’s organized methodology and hands-on application of information offer the perfect basis for creating significant and long-lasting public health solutions.
References
Hill-Briggs, F., Ephraim, P. L., Vrany, E. A., Davidson, K. W., Pekmezaris, R., Salas-Lopez, D., … & Gary-Webb, T. L. (2022). Social determinants of health, race, and diabetes population health improvement: Black/African Americans as a population exemplar. Current diabetes reports, 22(3), 117-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-022-01454-3
Wagenknecht, L. E., Lawrence, J. M., Isom, S., Jensen, E. T., Dabelea, D., Liese, A. D., … & Divers, J. (2023). Trends in incidence of youth-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the USA, 2002–18: results from the population-based SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, 11(4), 242-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00025-6
Walker, A. Q., Blake, C. E., Moore, J. B., Wilcox, S., DuBois, K., & W. Watkins, K. (2022). Experiences of midlife and older African American men living with type 2 diabetes. Ethnicity & health, 27(6), 1256-1270. https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2021.1910206
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How to Write a Public Health Topic Analysis: Complete Assignment Guide
Understanding Your Public Health Assignment
When you’re assigned to select a public health issue and write a 500-750 word analysis, the key is understanding what your instructor expects. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you create a comprehensive analysis that meets academic standards.
What is a Public Health Topic Analysis?
A public health topic analysis is an academic examination of a specific health issue affecting populations. It requires you to research, evaluate, and present information about health challenges, their impacts, and potential interventions. Common topics include chronic diseases, infectious diseases, environmental health issues, and behavioral health concerns.
Step 1: Selecting Your Public Health Issue
Choose a topic that interests you and has sufficient research available. Popular public health topics include:
- Chronic Diseases: Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity
- Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, COVID-19
- Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, substance abuse
- Environmental Health: Air pollution, water quality, climate change impacts
- Maternal and Child Health: Prenatal care, infant mortality, childhood nutrition
Pro Tip: Select a topic that connects to current events or has local relevance. This makes research easier and your analysis more engaging.
Step 2: What to Address in Your Analysis
Most public health assignments require you to cover several key areas:
Background and Significance
Explain what the health issue is and why it matters. Include statistics about prevalence, incidence rates, and populations most affected. For example, if writing about diabetes, mention that over 37 million Americans have diabetes, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
Risk Factors and Determinants
Identify what causes or contributes to the health issue. Consider:
- Biological factors (genetics, age, sex)
- Behavioral factors (diet, exercise, smoking)
- Social determinants (income, education, housing)
- Environmental factors (pollution, access to healthcare)
Current Interventions and Programs
Describe existing efforts to address the problem. This might include screening programs, public health campaigns, policy initiatives, or community-based interventions. Reference the 10 Essential Public Health Services framework, which provides structure for public health activities.
Challenges and Barriers
Discuss obstacles preventing effective prevention or treatment. Common barriers include:
- Limited healthcare access
- Health disparities
- Funding constraints
- Cultural or social stigma
- Lack of public awareness
Recommendations and Solutions
Propose evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes. Your recommendations should be realistic, specific, and grounded in public health principles. Consider primary prevention (preventing disease before it occurs), secondary prevention (early detection), and tertiary prevention (managing existing conditions).
Step 3: Writing Your 500-750 Word Analysis
Structure Your Paper Effectively
Introduction (100-150 words): Hook your reader with a compelling statistic or statement. Clearly identify your chosen public health issue and preview your main points.
Body (350-500 words): Organize your analysis into clear paragraphs, each addressing one of the required components. Use topic sentences and transitions to maintain flow.
Conclusion (50-100 words): Summarize your key findings and emphasize the importance of addressing this public health issue.
Writing Tips
- Use credible sources: Rely on peer-reviewed journals, government health agencies (CDC, WHO, NIH), and reputable public health organizations.
- Include data and statistics: Numbers make your analysis more authoritative and demonstrate the scope of the problem.
- Be specific: Instead of saying “many people are affected,” state “approximately 1 in 10 adults aged 20 and older have diabetes.”
- Connect to broader themes: Link your topic to social determinants of health, health equity, or the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
- Maintain objectivity: Present information fairly without sensationalizing or minimizing the issue.
Understanding the 10 Essential Public Health Services
The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a framework for public health practice. When analyzing your topic, consider how these services apply:
- Assess and monitor population health
- Investigate, diagnose, and address health hazards
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate
- Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities
- Create, champion, and implement policies
- Utilize legal and regulatory actions
- Enable equitable access to health services
- Build a diverse and skilled workforce
- Improve and innovate through evaluation and research
- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going over or under the word count: Stay within 500-750 words
- Using outdated sources: Prioritize recent data (within 5 years)
- Lacking focus: Stay centered on your chosen topic
- Insufficient citations: Back up claims with evidence
- Ignoring health disparities: Address how different populations are affected
Research Resources
Start your research with these trusted sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Comprehensive data on most health topics
- World Health Organization (WHO): Global health perspectives
- PubMed: Database of biomedical literature
- Healthy People 2030: National health objectives
- State and local health department websites: Regional data and programs
Final Checklist
Before submitting your analysis, verify that you’ve:
- ✓ Selected a specific public health issue
- ✓ Addressed all required components in the assignment
- ✓ Stayed within the 500-750 word range
- ✓ Used credible, current sources
- ✓ Included proper citations
- ✓ Proofread for grammar and clarity
- ✓ Connected your topic to public health principles
Conclusion
Writing a strong public health topic analysis requires careful topic selection, thorough research, and clear organization. By following this guide and addressing each required component, you’ll create an analysis that demonstrates your understanding of public health issues and their impact on populations. Remember that public health is about improving the health of communities, not just individuals—keep this population-level perspective throughout your writing.
Whether you’re examining chronic diseases, environmental hazards, or health behaviors, your analysis contributes to the broader conversation about creating healthier communities for all.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/
- World Health Organization. (2024). Public Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/
- American Public Health Association. (2024). 10 Essential Public Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health/10-essential-public-health-services
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Healthy People 2030. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople
- National Institutes of Health. (2024). PubMed – National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). National Diabetes Statistics Report. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/
- Public Health Accreditation Board. (2022). Standards and Measures Version 1.5. Retrieved from https://www.phaboard.org/
- Trust for America’s Health. (2024). The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. Retrieved from https://www.tfah.org/
- National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2024). Community Health Assessment and Improvement Planning. Retrieved from https://www.naccho.org/
- Institute of Medicine. (2012). For the Public’s Health: Investing in a Healthier Future. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19-31.
- Green, L. W., & Kreuter, M. W. (2005). Health Program Planning: An Educational and Ecological Approach (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2024). Chronic Disease Indicators. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/
- Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Deshpande, A. D., & Gillespie, K. N. (2017). Evidence-Based Public Health (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
- World Health Organization. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. Geneva: WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health.
