Practicum Journal Continue documenting your Practicum Experiences in your Practicum Journal. Reflect on your Practicum Experiences and relate them to your Professional Goals and Self-Assessment of Clinical Skills that you identified in Week 1. WRITE ON THIS DIAGNOSIS BELOW AND ELABORATE: Heart Diseases: I have noticed that most patients presenting with heart diseases are African Americans Use at least 2 references (From 2015 and UP)
Practicum Journal: Reflection on Heart Diseases in African Americans
Introduction:
Throughout my practicum experiences, I have observed a significant number of patients presenting with heart diseases, particularly among African Americans. This observation has prompted a deeper understanding of the distinct characteristics of heart diseases in this specific population and has highlighted the need for tailored interventions and strategies to address their health disparities. In this journal entry, I will reflect on my observations and explore the existing literature to gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the higher prevalence of heart diseases among African Americans.
Relationship to Professional Goals and Self-Assessment:
As a healthcare professional, my overarching goal is to provide equitable and comprehensive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Understanding the factors that contribute to health disparities, such as the higher prevalence of heart diseases in African Americans, is crucial for achieving this goal. By reflecting on my observations and conducting further research, I aim to enhance my knowledge and clinical skills to better address the needs of this specific population. This reflection aligns with my self-assessment of clinical skills, as I acknowledged the importance of cultural competence and the need for evidence-based interventions in my initial assessment.
Observations and Findings:
In my clinical experiences, I have noticed that heart diseases are disproportionately prevalent among African Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This observation is consistent with the existing literature, which has consistently reported higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, among African Americans (Yancy et al., 2015). These health disparities not only result in increased morbidity and mortality rates but also contribute to the overall burden of healthcare costs.
Possible Contributing Factors:
Several factors have been proposed to explain the higher prevalence of heart diseases in African Americans. One primary factor is the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which are known to be more prevalent in this population (Yancy et al., 2015). These risk factors are influenced by a combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors, which may contribute to the disparities observed. Additionally, socioeconomic factors, including lower income, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate access to healthcare, can further exacerbate the disparity in cardiovascular health outcomes (Yancy et al., 2015).
The role of genetics in heart diseases among African Americans is a subject of ongoing research. There is evidence that certain genetic variations, such as polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, may contribute to the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in this population (Carnethon et al., 2014). Understanding the genetic factors involved can help inform personalized treatment strategies and risk stratification.
Cultural factors are also important to consider in understanding the higher prevalence of heart diseases among African Americans. Dietary patterns, for example, have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and cultural preferences for high-calorie, high-sodium foods may contribute to these disparities (Carnethon et al., 2014). Furthermore, different cultural norms and beliefs may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors, adherence to medication regimens, and lifestyle modifications, all of which can impact cardiovascular health outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, my observations during my practicum experiences have confirmed the higher prevalence of heart diseases among African Americans. This reflection has enabled me to critically analyze the contributing factors and understand the complexities involved in addressing this health disparity. By considering the genetic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors at play, healthcare professionals can develop tailored interventions and strategies to improve cardiovascular health outcomes in African American communities. Moving forward, I will continue to explore evidence-based interventions and work towards providing equitable and culturally competent care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.