Applying the principles of EBPH to Approach a Specific Health Problem or Situation

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT 6

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Joseph Toole

Evidence-based Public Health Practice

15 February 2017

Public Health Assessment

Smoking of tobacco is harmful to health of both active and secondhand smokers due to the presence of nicotine. These chemicals are responsible for many health problems in both the active and passive smokers. Tobacco smoking has over the recent past become a serious public health concern among the young and older adults (Giovino, Henningfield, & Tomar, 1994). The use of tobacco tremendously increases the risks of many types of cancers especially lung cancers. Therefore, the use of easily accessible and time-efficient tools for implementing an evidence-based public health (EBPH) approach to improve population health is necessary (Wang & Burris, 1997).

Information from research studies and assessment methods to be used. There is evidence that cigarette smoking causes adverse outcomes in people with cancer (Giovino, Henningfield, & Tomar, 1994). However, more research is needed regarding those effects and the effects of passive smokers. There are various methods for conducting community health assessments. Notably, the systematic collection of data and analysis of the same to provide a rational decision making (Grant, Hasin, Chou, Stinson, & Dawson, 2004). For example, the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is an example of assessment tool.

Measuring intervention impact and effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is the most suitable tool for measuring both the impacts and effectiveness of intervention programs. This tool is applied by assessing the gross cost of preventive measures against the use of tobacco by the vulnerable group, that the young and older adults and the costs of addressing health issues brought about through the use of tobacco (Wang & Burris, 1997). These costs are compared to determine that which demand relatively lower costs to attain. Therefore, more resources can be channeled into the relatively cheaper option to achieve the me goal. For instance, many studies show that it is cheaper to prevent excessive smoking of tobacco than to deal with the health impacts resulting from their use (Giovino, Henningfield, & Tomar, 1994).

Justification of the necessity of community assessment. For the healthcare providers, community assessment is important in highlighting the areas of unmet needs and setting out objectives that can solve such health challenges in a community. Similarly, it is vital in addressing the impacts of smoking of tobacco within different segments of the population. Moreover, such assessments help in a more rational resources allocation to combat any health issue. (Wang & Burris, 1997)

Collaborative efforts with key partners in conducting community assessment. In order to carry out successful community assessing, joint efforts from the governments, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers and the community from which the assessment is to be done is necessary. The community needs to be made aware of the necessity of such assessment. Moreover, the government may come in through funding such projects. The professional contributions of the healthcare providers cannot be overemphasized (Wang & Burris, 1997).

Conducting of the assessment in the community. The adult population (≥18years) is the targeted group. The assessment can be conducted through issuing of questionnaires about the smoking and perceived effects of such habits. Medical examination of the lungs can be done alongside administering questionnaires. The information obtained can then be used to compile assessment findings (Giovino, Henningfield, & Tomar, 1994).

Methods of disseminating community assessment findings. There are multiple ways to be used such as giving out of detailed reports by the assessment team, making press conferences, seminars, and sending emails of their findings (Wang & Burris, 1997)7.

Giovino, A. G., Henningfield, E. J., & Tomar, L. S. (1994). Epidemiology of tobacco use and dependence. Epidemiologic reviews, 17(1), 48-65.

Grant, F. B., Hasin, S. D., Chou, P. S., Stinson, S. F., & Dawson, A. D. (2004). Nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders in the united states: results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and relatedconditions. Archives of general psychiatry, 61(11), 1107-1115.

Wang, C., & Burris, A. M. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Health education & behavior, 24(3), 369-387.