This paper presents a community advocacy proposal aimed at reducing the disproportionate prevalence of kidney disease and renal failure among the Hispanic population. Drawing on Christoffel's advocacy framework — information, strategy, and action — the paper outlines a three-tiered intervention plan that includes public health education, community mobilization, and policy-level clinic funding. It also situates the proposal within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2020 initiative, emphasizing prevention and improved healthcare access as the most viable tools for a population facing significant socioeconomic barriers to quality care. The paper concludes with recommendations for ongoing research to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.
One major challenge medical professionals face today is the growing incidence of kidney disease — not only in the general population, but especially among Hispanics. This population is one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the country and is also twice as likely to develop kidney failure as other racial groups. For a community nurse, this is a particular concern, especially in terms of strategies to help this population prevent kidney failure and its underlying causes.
The disease among this population is of particular interest, as the researcher has worked in this area for a considerable period of time. During the initial stages of the project, in-depth research must therefore be conducted to determine the exact nature and prevalence of the condition among the Hispanic population in the designated area. Based on these findings, further strategies can be developed to help mitigate the problem.
It is hypothesized that renal failure and other kidney conditions among the Hispanic population in the area will be disproportionately prevalent. Before identifying intervention or prevention measures, however, the first step will be to determine the root causes of the phenomenon. In particular, lifestyle choices and nutrition will be at the center of the investigation.
This proposal features three levels of recommendation for providing the Hispanic community with a basis for addressing this particular health problem. First, an educational measure will be implemented to encourage prevention. Second, community leaders and policy advocates will be approached regarding the possibility of establishing clinics to address this specific health issue. Finally, a research measure will be implemented to determine the effectiveness of the intervention measures that have been put in place. Such research will be conducted on a regular basis to identify existing gaps and determine what additional measures still need to be implemented.
In order to effectively address the health challenges faced by the Hispanic community, the healthcare provider can use Christoffel's advocacy framework, in which the steps include information, strategy, and action (Bibby, 2009).
In terms of renal failure among the Hispanic aggregate, there is a significant lack of research into the root causes of the phenomenon. One contributing factor can be identified as a lack of education regarding renal failure, its causes, and its connections to other conditions.
The second step is strategy. This step requires the development of educational curricula, public education initiatives, and community mobilization. Poor Hispanic communities could be educated regarding ways to prevent not only diabetes, but also resultant conditions such as renal failure. Community education and mobilization are important preventive tools.
In terms of action, the results of community strategies can be investigated in order to publish papers, issue press releases, provide media interviews, and similar activities. During this stage, lobbyists can also use the opportunity to obtain legislative support for community health and outreach programs. Furthermore, the publication of research and the passage of laws serve as powerful tools for educating the public regarding the conditions being addressed.
The above strategies can be implemented in tandem with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention methods, in which the various stages of the disease are targeted. The primary prevention level is used to prevent the person from developing the disease in the first place. Primary prevention strategies reduce the incidence and prevalence of disease by encouraging people to protect themselves from exposure to risk factors. According to the CDC (2014), screening tests are important in preventing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to renal conditions and renal failure. Targeting such tests at the over-50 population may prevent or delay the onset of renal failure. Another form of primary prevention for the Hispanic population includes public health education through health promotion activities.
Secondary and tertiary methods for dealing with renal conditions among the Hispanic population would involve affordable and accessible healthcare to help manage the target condition. Since many members of the Hispanic community live at a level of poverty that prevents them from accessing high-quality healthcare, facilities to help them manage serious conditions are often not readily available or affordable.
In an effort to improve health outcomes in this area, the Department of Health and Human Services developed its Healthy People 2020 initiative. This initiative sets specific targets for improving health based on the unique needs associated with particular conditions. In the case of chronic kidney disease, research demonstrates that there is no effective cure and that current treatment options are both expensive and do not markedly improve overall quality of life. As such, recommendations for the prevention and aggressive treatment of kidney disease are the focus of intervention. By focusing on these specific areas, DHHS believes that meaningful health improvements can be achieved.
DHHS (2013) reports that there are two overarching goals of HP 2020: eliminating disparities in health, and increasing the quality and longevity of a healthy life. Although these goals are aimed at improving the overall health of the populace, they represent a notable challenge in the context of chronic kidney disease. Considering the first goal of DHHS — to increase quality and years of life (DHHS, 2013, Chronic Kidney Disease) — the present treatment for chronic kidney disease does not dramatically improve quality of life for most patients. Dialysis and renal transplantation both represent significant challenges for healthcare providers, and this condition can have a devastating impact on the individual's overall health. Thus, in order to effectively meet this objective, DHHS will have to place greater emphasis on preventive measures as a central means of reducing the onset of kidney dysfunction. Only by addressing this area will it be possible to reduce the negative health consequences associated with this disease.
"Three-outcome education program design and outreach"
"Clinic funding strategy to improve community healthcare"
In conclusion, it is projected that the prevention strategies outlined above can go a long way toward significant improvements in the health of the Hispanic community. In addition to addressing specific renal failure problems, prevention measures and better access to clinics can also result in improved overall health and quality of life for the Hispanic community. It is therefore proposed that these measures be implemented and thoroughly researched for both short- and long-term effectiveness.
Bibby, M. (2009). Advocacy strategies for government sponsored public health agencies: The BCCDC a case study. Simon Fraser University. Retrieved from
DaVita Healthcare. (2014). Risks for CKD in Hispanic-Americans. Retrieved from http://www.davita.com
Healthy People 2020. (2013). Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from
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