Specific health behaviors that contribute to health issue in target population S

Specific health behaviors that contribute to health issue in target population
Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
Unprotected Sexual Activity: Youth in the 15-24 age group may engage in sexual activity without the use of condoms or other barrier methods. The rate of unprotected sexual activity can be assessed through surveys and self-reported behaviors among this specific age group in San Diego County (CDC, 2023).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8077650/
Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners without proper protection can increase the likelihood of STD transmission. The number of sexual partners can be measured through surveys and interviews specifically among youth aged 15-24 in the county (Chialepeh N, 2016).
Lack of STD Testing: Failing to get tested for STDs, especially among sexually active youth, can contribute to the spread of diseases. The percentage of youth aged 15-24 in San Diego County that has not been tested for STDs can be determined through healthcare and testing facility records (Tilson, 2004).
Inadequate Sexual Education: A lack of comprehensive sexual education can lead to misconceptions and risky behaviors. The quality of sexual education can be assessed through educational records and surveys of knowledge and attitudes among youth aged 15-24 in the county (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023).
Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Distracted Driving: Many youth in this age group may engage in behaviors such as texting, using their smartphones, or other distractions while driving. The level of distracted driving can be measured through surveys or observation studies to determine the percentage of youth who engage in these behaviors while driving (NHTSA, 2023).
Speeding: Young drivers are often more likely to speed, driving at speeds significantly higher than the posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions. The rate of speeding can be measured through law enforcement data or speed monitoring equipment, specifically focusing on the age group 15-24 (NHTSA, 2023).
Impaired Driving: Experimentation with alcohol and drugs is common among youth. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances impairs a person’s ability to drive safely. The level of impaired driving can be assessed through blood alcohol content (BAC) testing and law enforcement reports, with a focus on the age group 15-24 (CDC, 2022.
Failure to Use Seat Belts: Not wearing seat belts is a significant risk factor for severe injuries in accidents. Seat belt usage can be measured through observational studies or surveys, specifically targeting the age group 15-24 (NSC, 2023).
Factors that exert influence on the aforementioned health behaviors
Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
IndividualModifiable: number of sexual partnersStudies conducted in 2018 suggest that the timing of sexual partnerships may have an impact on the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If an individual has multiple sexual partners within a certain period, it may increase the risk of exposure to STIs or transmission of these infections (Mercer, 2018). The research indicates that there is a significant reduction in the likelihood of STI diagnosis when there is a gap between sexual partners. For females, a gap of at least 4 months, while for males, a gap of at least 6 months reduces the risk of an STI diagnosis. It should also be noted that people who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to be exposed to or transmit HIV.
An individual’s tendency to be involved with multiple partners/in high-risk sexual behavior is a predisposing factor as it can increase a person’s risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
Nonmodifiable: genderIt is important to note that women are more biologically vulnerable to STDs than men. This is because during sexual intercourse, the vaginal surface is larger and more susceptible to sexual secretions than the primarily skin-covered penis (OGA, 2021).
Gender is a predisposing factor that can increase a person’s risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
RelationshipModifiable: quality of relationshipsIn a study conducted in 2022, it was found that adolescent and young adult couples who reported high relationship satisfaction had significantly lower odds of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the future when compared to those who reported lower satisfaction levels (Lanier, 2022).
Relationship satisfaction is an important predisposing factor that can influence a person’s beliefs about their relationship and motivate or hinder them to change their behaviors, making them more or less likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease or infection.
Nonmodifiable: partner’s infection statusIt’s important to note that the risk of getting an STI through sex varies depending on the type of infection (STD Center NYC, 2023). Many STIs show no signs or symptoms, making it difficult to know if your partner is infected unless they have been tested (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Knowing your partner’s infection status is a predisposing factor as it can motivate or hinder individuals to use condoms or other forms of antiretroviral therapy to prevent STIs such as HIV/AIDS.
CommunityModifiable: access to sexual health resources In the United States, despite individuals aged 25 and under representing only a quarter of the sexually active population, they accounted for half of all reported STI cases in 2018, as per the CDC. Research indicates that sexually active teenagers who have access to condoms in their school setting are twice as likely to use them during their most recent sexual activity (Blake, 2003). Enhancing the availability of affordable condoms for adolescents, particularly in convenient locations like schools, could promote safer sexual practices among teenagers and potentially reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.
The accessibility of sexual health resources is an enabling factor, as increasing access can act as a preventive measure against the spread of STIs within a community, while limiting access may contribute to higher infection rates in the same community.
Nonmodifiable: prevalence of STIs in the community In areas characterized by elevated STD prevalence, individuals who are sexually active may face an increased risk of contracting an STD due to a heightened likelihood of choosing a partner who is infected (Hogben, 2008).
The prevalence of STD rates within a community serves as a predisposing factor, as awareness of the local rates of sexually transmitted diseases can significantly impact an individual’s choice to consistently use condoms as a precautionary measure against the potential transmission of STDs during sexual encounters.
SocietalModifiable: public health policies supporting testing and treatment of STDsDespite the rise in sexually transmitted diseases and infections in the past decade, the United States has witnessed a significant reduction in funding allocated to STD testing and treatment (Haley, 2019). These budget cuts have resulted in fewer diagnoses in sexual health clinics, contributing to the unchecked proliferation of STDs, as many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated (Haley, 2019). The implementation of public health policies that endorse STD testing and treatment could effectively reduce the number of undiagnosed STD cases, provide essential care to those in need, and ultimately lower the prevalence of STDs within the community.
The support for public health policies promoting testing and treatment serves as an enabling factor, as it can directly impact the availability of resources and facilitate referrals to appropriate healthcare providers.
Nonmodifiable: stigma regarding sexually transmitted diseaseSocial stigma continues to hinder STD testing and is closely linked to reduced utilization of preventive services (Lee, 2020). While alternatives such as in-home testing offer convenience, a notable proportion of individuals refuse follow-up treatment due to the apprehension of unintentionally revealing their diagnosis (Lee, 2020).
Social stigma acts as a reinforcing factor, as it is intertwined with the consequences and judgments from family, peers, and other influential figures in an individual’s life, which can either motivate or discourage them from seeking testing and treatment.
Motor Vehicle Accidents:
IndividualModifiable: attitudes and beliefs towards seat beltsTeens are often inexperienced drivers who have recently undergone driving safety courses. Despite these courses emphasizing the importance of wearing seat belts, about 43% of teenagers report that they do not wear a seat belt every time they drive. Additionally, only about half of them consistently wear seat belts when riding as a passenger (CDC, 2019.)
The perception of seat belts and their effectiveness in reducing fatalities in motor vehicle accidents serves as a predisposing factor. This perception can either encourage or obstruct an individual’s motivation to alter their behavior.
Nonmodifiable: physical health – visionThe physical health of an individual’s vision, being a non modifiable factor, plays a critical role in safe driving. Visual impairments or deficiencies in vision acuity cannot be changed or modified through interventions. Individuals with certain vision impairments might be at higher risk of accidents, making it crucial to consider the impact of such nonmodifiable factors on motor vehicle accidents. In a recent survey, studies found that 74.5% of drivers reported using eyeglasses while driving, with 61.5% of them utilizing progressive glasses. Nonetheless, 39.4% of the respondents indicated experiencing difficulties in achieving clear vision. Statistically significant disparities in accident risk were observed in relation to visual acuity (p < 0.001)(Alvarez-Peregrina, 2021). Vision is an enabling factor, as good vision can result in fewer motor vehicle accidents, whereas poor vision can increase motor vehicle accidents. RelationshipModifiable: peer influencePeer influence is a crucial factor affecting the driving behaviors of youth aged 15-24. Peer pressure and influence can be modified through targeted educational programs and campaigns aimed at promoting responsible driving habits and discouraging risky behaviors. Peer-to-peer interventions and awareness initiatives can be effective in altering these influences. Negative peer influences in close proximity to the driving situation can manifest through various behaviors. Passengers, for instance, can inadvertently divert a driver's attention by engaging in conversation when the primary focus should be on safe driving. A study found that adolescents who conversed with their passengers or used a cell phone while operating a motorcycle experienced a higher frequency of crashes and engaged in risky driving behaviors (Allen, 2008). Peer influence is an enabling factor as negative peer influences can increase the probability of motor vehicle accidents whereas positive peer influences can decrease the probability of motor vehicle accidents. Nonmodifiable: family-background/history of car accidentsThe family background and history of car accidents among youth, being a non-modifiable factor, can have a lasting impact on their driving behaviors. While this factor cannot be changed, it's vital to consider its influence on individual risk profiles. Previous research has indicated a connection between the emotional reactions individuals have to their own accidents or those involving family members and increased anxiety while driving. This added stress renders people more vulnerable to anxious driving and a higher likelihood of being involved in motor vehicle accidents (Association for Psychological Science - APS, 2014). One's family background can serve as a predisposing factor, as a history of negative emotional experiences stemming from a family member's car accident can heighten the chances of experiencing anxious driving and create additional opportunities for accidents. CommunityModifiable: road maintenancePrevious studies have shown that from 2011 to 2014, road debris played a role in over 200,000 police-reported crashes, leading to around 39,000 injuries and 500 fatalities. When compared to accidents not involving debris, those related to debris were approximately four times more likely to occur on Interstate highways. Alarmingly, nearly 37 percent of all fatalities in road debris-related crashes occurred when drivers swerved to avoid colliding with an object (Tefft, 2016). Constant road maintenance and ensuring the roads are free of debris would help increase the safety of our roads and decrease the amount of motor vehicle accidents. Road maintenance is an enabling factor as barriers in the safety of transportation options can increase the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident. Nonmodifiable: geographic location/ road layoutUnderstanding the unique challenges posed by the geography and road layout is essential for developing effective accident prevention strategies. Research has shown that the likelihood of fatalities in traffic accidents is notably high on highways, elevated sections, and ramps (Zhang, 2020). Conversely, there are fewer fatalities on flat road segments, whereas the most challenging sections, such as sharp turns and steep slopes, pose the highest risk (Zhang, 2020). Improved pavement grade and overall pavement condition are associated with a decrease in fatalities (Zhang, 2020). Geographic location and road layouts are enabling factors as barriers in the safety of transportation options can increase the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident. SocietalModifiable: mediaAccording to the latest data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in February 2022, there were 31,720 recorded fatalities related to motor vehicle crashes across the country from January 2021 through September 2021. This accounts for a significant 12% increase compared to the same period in 2020, making it the highest number of fatalities during the first nine months of any year since 2006. Effective communication is crucial in promoting road safety, whether it is conveyed through media outlets, safety campaign materials, or community outreach initiatives. The way in which the general public perceives the issue of traffic injuries and fatalities, as well as what can be done to address it, is significantly influenced by how the media reports on these matters (UC Berkeley, 2023). Media is a reinforcing factor as negative feedback from media regarding accidents could promote road safety. Nonmodifiable: cultural normsThe level of acceptance towards alcohol or drug use, particularly when driving, can have a significant impact on accident rates. Cultures that accept or even encourage such behavior are likely to experience more accidents related to impaired driving. In cultures with wet policies, alcohol consumption tends to be moderate but on a daily basis; whereas in dry cultures, drinking is often reserved for weekends and can lead to excessive consumption. Countries where drinking and driving is a part of daily life, such as habits of taking meals and patterns of using cars, often have higher rates of exceeding legal limits (Schlembach, 2016). Cultural norms are a reinforcing factor as negative feedback from peers can alter behavior.