Unit VI Project
Instructions
For this assignment you will compare and contrast specific approaches to a community health issue for two distinct age groups.
First, you must select two of the three age groups discussed in this unit (adolescent, adult, or elderly).
Next, conduct your own research for each of the two age groups on one of the following community health issues:
- motor vehicle accidents,
- suicides, or
- domestic abuse.
Your research should look at morbidity and mortality rates of both age groups in your state for the chosen issue as well as other key statistics and mitigating factors related to occurrences within these age groups.
Based on your findings:
- Suggest possible community health interventions that could be used to reduce the occurrence of injury and/or death due to the chosen issue.
- Compare and contrast:
Your project must be at least two pages in length, not counting the title or references pages. You must use at least three sources, one of which may be your eTextbook, to support your project. All sources used must have citations and references in APA Style. APA formatting is otherwise not required.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This assignment focuses on comparing and contrasting specific approaches to a community health issue for two distinct age groups. In this answer, we will be discussing the community health issue of motor vehicle accidents in adolescent and elderly age groups. We will analyze morbidity and mortality rates, key statistics, and mitigating factors related to occurrences within these age groups. Based on our findings, we will suggest possible community health interventions that could be used to reduce the occurrence of injury and/or death due to motor vehicle accidents.
Answer:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for adolescents aged 16-19 years and the fourth leading cause of death for elderly adults above 65 years. In 2018, 2,121 adolescents aged 16-19 years died, and 243,243 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes. Similarly, 6,907 elderly adults above 65 years died, and 166,561 were treated in emergency departments for the same cause.
Adolescent drivers are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident because of their inexperience and risk-taking behavior. Elderly drivers, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer from a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, making them less competent in driving. In both age groups, lack of seat belt usage and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol are significant factors that contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Possible community health interventions that could be used to reduce the occurrence of injury and/or death due to motor vehicle accidents for adolescents and elderly could include targeted education and support programs. For adolescents, such programs could focus on the importance of seat belt usage, the dangers of distracted driving (e.g., texting, music), and the importance of driving sober. For elderly adults, driving skill assessments and comprehensive health evaluations that include cognitive and physical abilities should be conducted regularly. Driver retraining programs could be offered to older adults who need it.
In conclusion, motor vehicle accidents pose a significant threat to both adolescent and elderly age groups. By implementing targeted community health interventions, we can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this issue.
