APA format. 3 paragraph Read all Instructions. Age group 40-60 with uncontrolled Blood pressure in poor population Please discuss the following points in your Practicum Discussion: 1.Identify one evidence-based behavior change that would promote health in your selected population. 2.Suggest one specific culturally sensitive, evidence-based, measureable intervention to address the health problem for your selected population. 3.Think in terms of measuring outcomes. What outcomes would you expect to see once the intervention(s) are in place? Be specific.
Title: Promoting Health in the Age Group 40-60 with Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in Poor Population: A Practicum Discussion
Introduction
This practicum discussion focuses on identifying evidence-based behavior change strategies and culturally sensitive, measurable interventions to address the health problem of uncontrolled blood pressure in the age group 40-60 in a poor population. It also explores the expected outcomes after implementing these interventions.
Behavior Change Strategy
One evidence-based behavior change strategy that holds potential for promoting health among the selected population is the adoption of a healthy eating pattern, specifically the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The DASH diet recommends consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting the intake of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars (Appel et al., 1997).
The DASH diet has been extensively studied and has consistently shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health (Sacks et al., 2001). In the context of the age group 40-60 with uncontrolled blood pressure in a poor population, promoting the DASH diet can be a feasible and effective intervention.
Culturally Sensitive Intervention
To ensure cultural sensitivity in addressing the health problem, a culturally tailored cooking and nutrition education program can be implemented. This program would integrate the principles of the DASH diet while considering the cultural preferences, traditions, and budget constraints of the target population. This intervention would aim to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills related to healthier food choices and meal preparation techniques.
The cooking and nutrition education program could be delivered through group sessions in community centers or local churches, which are common gathering places for the target population. Trained educators, preferably from the same cultural background, can demonstrate the preparation of culturally relevant DASH-friendly recipes and engage participants in interactive discussions about nutrition, portion sizes, and budget-friendly shopping strategies.
Measurable Outcomes
Implementation of the cooking and nutrition education program is expected to yield various measurable outcomes, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention. Some specific outcomes that can be anticipated include:
1. Blood pressure control: The primary outcome measure will be a decreased prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure in the target population. This can be measured by tracking the participants’ blood pressure before and after the intervention, using a standardized protocol.
2. Dietary changes: Improvement in participants’ dietary habits can be assessed by measuring their adherence to the DASH diet guidelines. This can be done through self-reported dietary assessments, dietary recalls, or food frequency questionnaires.
3. Increased knowledge: Participants’ knowledge about the relationship between diet and blood pressure control can be evaluated through pre- and post-intervention surveys or quizzes. A higher score on these assessments would indicate the acquisition of knowledge related to the intervention.
4. Cooking skills: Participants’ cooking skills can be measured by observing their ability to prepare DASH-friendly meals and their confidence in incorporating healthier cooking techniques and ingredients. This can be assessed through practical demonstrations and self-report data.
5. Behavior change sustainability: Long-term behavior change is a critical outcome. Assessing participants’ maintenance of dietary changes and sustained blood pressure control at follow-up intervals would indicate the effectiveness of the intervention over time.
Conclusion
This practicum discussion has identified the DASH diet as an evidence-based behavior change strategy and a culturally sensitive cooking and nutrition education program as a measurable intervention to promote health in the age group 40-60 with uncontrolled blood pressure in a poor population. The expected outcomes of this intervention include improved blood pressure control, dietary changes aligned with the DASH diet, increased knowledge, enhanced cooking skills, and sustained behavior change. Implementing such interventions can contribute to improving the health outcomes and overall well-being of the selected population.