A population health topic that rises to the presidential agenda level.
Consider a population health topic that rises to the presidential agenda level. Which social determinant most affects this health issue? How did two recent presidents handle the problem? What would you do differently?
Sample Answer
Population Health Issue: Mental Health Crisis in Youth
For this exercise, I’ll focus on the growing mental health crisis among youth as a relevant population health topic rising to the presidential agenda level. The social determinant with the most significant impact on this issue is poverty and economic hardship.
Impact of Poverty on Youth Mental Health:
- Food insecurity and malnutrition: Lack of access to nutritious food can negatively impact brain development and lead to increased vulnerability to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
- Insecure housing and homelessness: Housing instability and displacement create chronic stress and contribute to anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Limited access to healthcare: Families living in poverty are less likely to afford mental health care for their children, leaving them without crucial support and treatment.
- Toxic stress and trauma: Poverty is often associated with exposure to violence, neglect, and other forms of adversity, leading to toxic stress and a higher risk of developing mental health problems.
- Educational and social disparities: Children from low-income families are more likely to face educational challenges and social exclusion, increasing feelings of isolation and inadequacy, and impacting their mental well-being.