Capstone Project: Part 1 - Defining the Health Problem

Capstone Project: Part 1 - Defining the Health Problem Student's Name College/University Course Code and Name Professor's Name Due Date The diversified population and complex healthcare system make Maricopa County, Arizona, dynamic. Maricopa County, Arizona's most populated county with almost 4.4 million residents, presents public health issues that require focused interventions and innovative ways. This part addresses countywide health issues such as chronic disease management and mental health/substance misuse. It analyzes epidemiology data and demographic trends to understand these difficulties and recommend ways to promote health and community well-being in Maricopa County. County and Health Profile Phoenix, the state capital, and several suburbs make up Maricopa County, Arizona. Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous county, has almost 4.4 million citizens, 61% of the state's total (Maricopa County, 2019). This project is in Phoenix, Maricopa County, because of various aspects that make it appropriate for public health challenges. One rationale for picking Maricopa County is its comprehensive health statistics. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has large datasets on chronic disease prevalence, demographics, and health habits (Ward et al., 2020). Also, data from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the National Center for Health Statistics shed light on county, state, and national health trends. Maricopa County's diversified population represents various US demographics. The county has Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian American, and Native American residents (Ward et al., 2020; Maricopa County, 2019). Many Maricopa County people are between 18 and 64 years old, forming 61% of the population (Census Reporter, n.d.). The unemployment rate in Maricopa County has consistently fallen since its 2010 peak of 9.6% (Maricopa County, 2019). In 2019, Maricopa's unemployment rate rose to 4.5% from 4.1% the year before (Maricopa County, 2019). Arizona is poised to lead the nation and most states in employment, income, and population growth. In Maricopa County, hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and specialty care facilities are public and private. Various hospitals and outpatient facilities across the county, such as Banner, Mayo, and John C. Lincoln, offer multiple medical services (Phoenix Relocation Guide, 2020). My healthcare experience also influences this project's focus on Phoenix, Maricopa County. As a Phoenix resident, I understand the county's healthcare infrastructure's issues and potential. This insider perspective will help create Maricopa County-specific interventions. Health Issue 1: Chronic Disease Management Description and Analysis of Data The Maricopa County chronic disease management data study reviewed many health indicators and epidemiological trends. Chronic disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory sickness, which affect the county's population, were the emphasis (Ward et al., 2020). This analysis relied on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Arizona Department of Health Services, and CDC reports. These sources illuminated Maricopa County's chronic disease prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates, helping to understand their scope and impact. Chronic disease management is challenging in Maricopa County. Diabetes has become a significant public health issue due to its high incidence across age groups and demographics (CDC, n.d.). The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reports that 10.44% of the population in the county has diabetes, putting a strain on the local healthcare system (Nguyen & Ward, 2023). In Maricopa County, cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, increase morbidity and death. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, heart disease is the primary cause of death among citizens, causing early death and years of lost life (Ward et al., 2020). Respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD, significantly complicate chronic disease care in Maricopa County. Environmental variables like pollution and dust storms worsen air quality, causing respiratory health inequalities, especially in vulnerable populations. This research found chronic illness burden differences in Maricopa County by demographic group. Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans have more significant diabetes and cardiovascular disease rates than non-Hispanic whites (Nguyen & Ward, 2023). Chronic diseases disproportionately affect low-income and underserved populations, underlining the need for focused interventions to reduce health disparities. Description of Condition (s) Chronic disease management includes a variety of long-term health disorders that require continuing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent consequences. Diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders plague Maricopa County residents (Ward et al., 2020). Maricopa County residents of all ages suffer from diabetes mellitus, a chronic illness that raises blood glucose levels. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reports that 10.44% of the residents have diabetes (Nguyen & Ward, 2023). Poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity are connected to type 2 diabetes, which accounts for most diabetes cases. Diabetes requires blood sugar monitoring, a good diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication or insulin therapy (Awuchi et al., 2020). Heart disease and stroke are Maricopa County's lea...