Global Health Inequities and the Social Determinants of Health

### Concept Map Template for Global Issues Impacting Nursing

**Primary Diagnosis: Global Health Inequities and the Social Determinants of Health**

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#### 1. Pathophysiology of Global Health Inequities

**Pathophysiology:**
Global health inequities arise from complex interactions among social, economic, environmental, and political factors. These inequities lead to disparities in access to healthcare, quality of care, and health outcomes. Social determinants of health, such as income, education, employment, social support, and living conditions, play a crucial role in shaping health inequities.

**Causes:**
– Poverty
– Lack of education
– Unemployment
– Social exclusion
– Inadequate housing
– Poor access to healthcare

**Risk Factors:**
– **Genetic/Ethnic:** Certain ethnic groups may face systemic discrimination and barriers to healthcare.
– **Physical:** Geographical barriers, such as living in remote or underserved areas, limit access to healthcare services.

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#### 2. Signs and Symptoms of Global Health Inequities

**Signs and Symptoms:**
– Higher rates of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
– Increased prevalence of infectious diseases
– Poor maternal and child health outcomes
– Mental health issues
– Reduced life expectancy

**Impact on Body Systems and Complications:**

**Cardiovascular System:**
– Increased risk of hypertension and heart disease due to stress and lack of access to preventive care.

**Respiratory System:**
– Higher rates of respiratory infections and diseases due to poor living conditions and pollution.

**Reproductive System:**
– Poor maternal health outcomes, higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

**Mental Health:**
– Elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to social and economic stressors.

**Complications:**
– Increased mortality rates
– Burden on healthcare systems
– Worsening of poverty and inequality cycles

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#### 3. Differential Diagnoses

– **Poverty-Related Health Issues:** Similar symptoms and complications due to overlapping risk factors.
– **Chronic Disease Burden:** Similar health outcomes in populations with high chronic disease prevalence.
– **Infectious Disease Epidemics:** Similar signs in areas with poor healthcare access and living conditions.

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#### 4. Diagnostic Tests and Labs

– **Surveys and Questionnaires:** To assess social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes.
– **Health Outcome Data:** Analysis of morbidity and mortality statistics to identify disparities.
– **Economic Assessments:** Evaluating income levels, employment rates, and education statistics.

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#### 5. Treatment Options

**Interventions:**
– **Policy Changes:** Advocacy for policies that address social determinants of health.
– **Community Programs:** Initiatives to improve education, employment, and living conditions.
– **Healthcare Access:** Expanding access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
– **Education Campaigns:** Raising awareness about the impact of social determinants on health.

**Referrals:**
– **Social Services:** To address housing, employment, and educational needs.
– **Mental Health Services:** For counseling and support for stress-related conditions.
– **Nutrition Programs:** To address malnutrition and related health issues.

**Medications:**
– Management of chronic conditions (e.g., antihypertensives, antidiabetics)
– Vaccinations and treatments for infectious diseases

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#### Resources:
– United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
– International Council of Nurses (https://www.icn.ch/)

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This concept map outlines the comprehensive approach needed to address global health inequities, focusing on the multifaceted nature of social determinants and their wide-reaching impacts on health. By integrating policy advocacy, community initiatives, and healthcare access improvements, nursing can play a pivotal role in mitigating these inequities and improving global health outcomes.

 

 

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