NURS 434 COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION ASSIGNMENT 4
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM
COMPLETE NEW UPDATE ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
Development of a Community Health Promotion Program
Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University
NURS 434; Community Health Promotion
Cori
May
, 2
Introduction
Prevention of illnesses and health promotion is achieved through planned
activities and strategies that focus on improving the health outcomes of a population.
According to the World Health Organization (2019), “health promotion programs enable
individuals to have control over their health…to benefit and protect the health of the
individuals and increase the quality of life by addressing and preventing the causes of ill
health." As identified in the community diagnosis for SE Calgary, substance abuse is a
challenge for underprivileged youths. However, a wellness program can promote health
by impacting active decisions and positive attitudes in the youth to contribute to positive
health behaviors and outcomes (Escoffery et al., 2018). The current activity develops a
community health promotion program by describing the community, giving a rationale,
formulating objectives, evaluating approaches, summarizing strengths and limitations,
and explaining the role of a community health nurse.
Target Community
The current community health promotion program targets the socio-economically
disadvantaged youths of SE Calgary. Disproportionate youth suffer substance abuse by
indulging in drugs such as alcohol and marijuana. Subsequently, they are faced with
various challenges such as health-related issues, poor academic performances, deviant
peer relationships, and involvement in crime (Skogen et al., 2019). In SE Calgary, the
economically disadvantaged populations mostly consist of indigenous people. In
addition, the visible minority groups such as Blacks, Chinese, Asians, Latin Americans,
and Filipinos live in poverty, where 1 in 5 families live in poverty compared to the 1 in 20
for other groups (Government of Alberta, 2021). Whereas males from low-income
families are twice likely to indulge in substance abuse, their female
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counterparts are also at a possible risk (Skogen et al., 2019). Hence, the program
considers both males and females from low-income families in SE Calgary.
Rationale
Youths from economically disadvantaged families are at a higher risk of using
substances. Several studies have correlated the likelihood of higher rates of substance
abuse and economically disadvantaged youths. A study comparing all drug constructs
suggests, “Young adults from low-income households tend to consume alcohol in
higher frequencies and quantities” (Skogen et al., 2019). In addition, the youth living
with guardians who are stressed economically are less likely to achieve higher
education and experience poor parent-child relationships (Rusby et al., 2018). Despite
these challenges, most youthful populations from these backgrounds are resilient and
avoid using substances, rising to the challenge (Rusby et al., 2018). The major factors
contributing to these high rates include low-income family involvement, lack of
awareness, and low educational attainment. For instance, a study on family
environment and substance abuse found that poor parent-child relationships in young
adulthood correlated to higher chances of using substances (Rusby et al., 2018).
Therefore the program seeks to create positive family environments, create awareness
and promote attainment of education to overcome the involvement in marijuana,
alcohol, and drugs.
Plans and Activities
Health promotion creates educates individuals and creates positive lasting
impacts on patients' lives. The program will incorporate two health promotion
approaches that include creating a supportive environment and strengthening
community action. In supportive environments, fostering an environment that will
socially and physically assist the youths of SE Calgary in wellness and positive health
is the goal. The program will aim to eliminate negative
