Social determinants of health and health inequities.
This week, we are talking about social determinants of health and health inequities. Therefore, in your response to the week one RB, discuss the health issue presented by a peer and evaluate how the social determinants of health can expand the discussion based on the concepts discussed in chapters 2 and 3. Your discussion should focus on one of the two prompts below:
- The burden of that disease or health issue and trends in a specific country, or
- The role of education and socioeconomic status (as a social determinant of health) in the distribution and impact of that health issue.
For this assignment, you are expected to search your classmate’s topic and find at least one reference that you can incorporate into the discussion that supports your position and thesis statement. You are expected to write at least two paragraphs of content and provide at least one example that you found through your own independent research/web-searching. Remember to clearly define your terms and concepts from the course materials to receive maximum points.
Although your response can be shorter than the original post, remember to present a cohesive argument with a thesis statement, several supporting sentences with examples/data for the thesis, and a concluding sentence or remarks. You are required to cite at least one scholarly reference. You may use your textbook but not as the required source. Your scholarly source must be from a reliable, credible (or peer-reviewed) reference. For additional information about references, see the tutorials in the “What is a scholarly source?” under the Resource Guides from the main course menu
Peer Discussion
Opioid Epidemic
One of the leading factors contributing to opioid abuse is the over prescription of opioid pain killers. Since the turn of the millennium, the percentage of abusers below the age of 25 has declined significantly, in the United States. However, the abuse has plagued those over the age of 50 since then. Heavy dosages of Opioids can produce a psychoactive effect altering the users respiratory system, which can lead to overdose due to respiratory failure. In order to save our fellow human suffering from Opioid dependency issues, WHO makes a few recommendations, including but not limited to, a slow approach when introducing opiates as a pain reliever, a range of treatment options, and Naxolone being readily available to those with high probability of encountering over-dosage. Hence, the opioid crisis is a global health issue that lends the opportunity for improvement for all civilians, bystanders, doctors, and dependents.
The Opioid crisis is at an epidemic level in the United States, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse and The Washington Post. Doctors and practitioners throughout Europe are keen to routinely monitor patients prescribed Opioids, and their approach is typically holistic, with longevity of quality of life in mind at all times. A regimen of attention paid to effects of physical, mental, and emotional distress could lead to a decreased dependency on mind altering pain medication. In some cases, a neurological effect is the only way for a patient to feel relief. A universal database, accessible to medical doctors and pharmacists internationally, could be created and utilized to ensure patients do not obtain multiple prescriptions, possibly leading to their demise or unregulated distribution to those without prescriptions.
There are a range of risk factors for Opioid users. Some may encounter medical bills that are beyond their financial capabilities, so cheaper alternatives such as heroin, with its common derivatives: Fentanyl, and Carfentanyl are known to lead to death via overdose due to their high powered, non-regulatory nature. Those who live in the same household or have access to one with an Opiate prescription are under prospect of an opioid related overdose. Some under the same roof as one prescribed may find themselves curious of the effect of such drugs, not recognizing their strength, resulting in their accidental demise.
Many are making strides to assist those who have fallen victim to Opioid dependency. Specifically Methadone clinics throughout the globe are offering a pain relieving substitute that can be taken to gradually decrease reliance for those over-using Opioids in a safe manner. Italy offers Naxolone, branded as Narcan and Evzio, over the counter to anyone who would like to purchase the drug offering emergency overdose-reversing effects. In all other countries either a prescription or medical license is necessary to obtain such drugs. Regardless, researchers have created a solution to reversing the effects of an Opioid related overdose.
Opiates are available globally and are a business forefront for many countries. The continued prescription of Opioid encompassing drugs encourages the well-being of such economies. Being in an opioid epidemic state, especially in the United States, leaves the nation with plenty of room for improvement. Prescribers need to create a long-lasting initiative to monitor patients usage of strong drugs. Doctors need to ensure the gradual enhancement in prescriptions, and they need to digress upon all possible options before continuing to over-prescribe. Bystanders should recognize and respond to the risk factors to assure safety of their fellow human to their best ability. Together, this epidemic can be managed, and communities will grow stronger with a dedicated effort.
Davidson, J. (2018, May 25). Unseen face of the opioid epidemic: Drug abuse among the elderly grows. Retrieved January 18, 2019, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2…
Information sheet on opioid overdose. (2018, August 21). Retrieved January 18, 2019, from https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/information-sh…
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 14). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved January 18, 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opio…
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