Analysis of Health Disparities in Des Moines Subpopulations

WGU E224 Task 1 |Analysis of Health Disparities in Des Moines Subpopulations| 2025 Update with complete solutions. WGU E224 Task 1 Analysis of Health Disparities in Des Moines Subpopulations (2025 Update) A. Community Identification and Description Community Selected: Des Moines, Iowa (Polk County) Des Moines is the capital and largest city in Iowa, serving as a major economic, cultural, and healthcare hub for the state. The city has a diverse population with growing racial and ethnic minority groups, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, refugee, and immigrant populations. Des Moines contains both urban and suburban neighborhoods with varying socioeconomic conditions that directly influence health outcomes. Key community characteristics include: • • • • Mix of urban and suburban settings Presence of large healthcare systems (UnityPoint, MercyOne) Persistent income and education gaps among racial/ethnic groups Concentrated poverty in specific neighborhoods (e.g., east and south Des Moines) B. Subpopulation Identification Selected Subpopulation: Hispanic/Latino population in Des Moines The Hispanic/Latino population is one of the fastest-growing subpopulations in Des Moines. Many individuals are immigrants or children of immigrants, with significant representation from Mexico and Central America. This group experiences multiple health disparities related to access to care, chronic disease burden, and preventive health utilization. C. Description of Health Disparities The Hispanic/Latino subpopulation in Des Moines experiences several documented health disparities compared to the general population, including: 1. Limited Access to Healthcare o Higher rates of being uninsured or underinsured o Lower likelihood of having a primary care provider 2. Chronic Disease Burden o Higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity o Increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease 3. Preventive Care Gaps o Lower rates of cancer screenings (breast, cervical, colorectal) o Reduced utilization of immunizations and routine wellness visits 4. Maternal and Child Health Challenges o Higher rates of gestational diabetes o Barriers to prenatal and postpartum care D. Social Determinants of Health Contributing to Disparities Several social determinants of health contribute to the disparities experienced by the Hispanic/Latino population in Des Moines: 1. Economic Stability • • Higher rates of employment in low-wage, physically demanding jobs Limited access to employer-sponsored health insurance 2. Education Access and Quality • • Language barriers impacting educational attainment Lower high school and postsecondary completion rates 3. Healthcare Access and Quality • • Lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services Fear related to immigration status affecting healthcare-seeking behavior 4. Neighborhood and Built Environment • • Residence in areas with limited access to healthy foods Fewer safe spaces for physical activity 5. Social and Community Context • • Experiences of discrimination and marginalization Limited social support systems for newer immigrants E. Epidemiological Evidence Epidemiological data from local and state health assessments indicate that Hispanic/Latino residents of Polk County: • • Have higher diabetes-related hospitalization rates Experience delayed diagnosis of chronic illnesses • Utilize emergency departments at higher rates for non-emergent conditions These trends demonstrate a pattern of preventable disease progression related to delayed or absent primary care. F. Existing Community Resources Several community-based resources currently serve the Hispanic/Latino population in Des Moines: • • • • Primary Health Care, Inc. – Federally Qualified Health Centers offering sliding-scale services Proteus, Inc. – Community health education and outreach Local faith-based organizations – Provide social support and health navigation Free clinics and mobile health units – Address access gaps for uninsured individuals While these resources are valuable, demand often exceeds capacity. G. Public Health Strategies to Reduce Disparities Evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities in this subpopulation include: 1. Culturally Competent Care o Expansion of bilingual providers and interpreters o Cultural humility training for healthcare professionals 2. Community Health Education o Diabetes prevention and nutrition programs tailored to cultural preferences Use of community health workers (promotores de salud) 3. Improved Access to Preventive Services o Mobile clinics and extended clinic hours o Partnerships with schools and workplaces 4. Policy-Level Interventions o Expansion of Medicaid eligibility and outreach o Support for immigrant-friendly healthcare policies o H. Role of the Nurse in Addressing Health Disparities Nurses play a critical role in reducing health disparities by: • • • • • Advocating for equitable access to care Providing culturally sensitive patient education Screening for social determinants of health Connecting patients to community resources Participating in community-based outreach programs Through direct care and advocacy, nurses help bridge gaps between healthcare systems and vulnerable populations. I. Conclusion The Hispanic/Latino population in Des Moines experiences significant health disparities driven by social determinants such as economic instability, limited healthcare access, and language barriers. Addressing these disparities requires coordinated efforts involving healthcare systems, community organizations, policymakers, and nurses. Targeted, culturally competent interventions can significantly improve health outcomes and advance health equity within this growing subpopulation. J. References (APA – Example) Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Iowa community health assessment. Polk County Health Department. (2024). Community health needs assessment. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Healthy People 2030: Social determinants of health. Below is a COMPLETE WGU E224–ALIGNED SET Questions 1–50 with Correct Answers and Clear Rationales Focused on Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Epidemiology, Community Health, and Nursing Roles — written in a competency-based style appropriate for WGU assessments (2025 update). WGU E224 – Health Disparities Questions 1–50 | Answers & Rationales Q1. What is a health disparity? Answer: A difference in health outcomes closely linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantage. Rationale: Health disparities are systematic, preventable differences affecting disadvantaged groups. Q2. Which population is most likely to experience health disparities? Answer: Racial and ethnic minority populations Rationale: These groups are disproportionately affected due to structural inequities. Q3. Which factor most strongly influences health outcomes? Answer: Social determinants of health Rationale: Up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by non-clinical factors. Q4. Which is an example of a social determinant of health? Answer: Access to education Rationale: Education affects income, employment, and health literacy. Q5. Poverty contributes to poor health outcomes primarily by: Answer: Limiting access to healthcare and healthy resources Rationale: Financial barriers restrict preventive and ongoing care. Q6. Which Des Moines subpopulation commonly faces access-to-care barriers? Answer: Hispanic/Latino residents Rationale: Language, insurance gaps, and immigration concerns reduce access. Q7. Health equity means: Answer: Everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health Rationale: Equity focuses on eliminating barriers, not equal treatment. Q8. Which determinant directly affects preventive care utilization? Answer: Health insurance coverage Rationale: Insurance increases access to screenings and early treatment. Q9. Limited English proficiency primarily affects: Answer: Communication with healthcare providers Rationale: Language barriers lead to misunderstanding and poor adherence. Q10. Which chronic condition disproportionately affects Hispanic populations? Answer: Type 2 diabetes Rationale: Higher prevalence is linked to diet, access, and genetics. Q11. Epidemiology focuses on: Answer: Distribution and determinants of health conditions Rationale: It identifies patterns to guide interventions. Q12. Higher emergency room use often indicates: Answer: Lack of primary care access Rationale: ED use increases when preventive services are unavailable. Q13. Food insecurity increases risk for: Answer: Obesity and diabetes Rationale: Low-cost foods are often calorie-dense and nutrient-poor. Q14. Which group is more likely to be uninsured? Answer: Low-income immigrant populations Rationale: Employment and legal status affect eligibility. Q15. Built environment affects health by influencing: Answer: Physical activity and food access Rationale: Neighborhood design shapes lifestyle behaviors. Q16. What is cultural competence in healthcare? Answer: Ability to provide care respectful of cultural differences Rationale: It improves trust and outcomes. Q17. A community health needs assessment is used to: Answer: Identify priority health issues Rationale: Data-driven planning improves resource allocation. Q18. Which is a structural barrier to care? Answer: Lack of transportation Rationale: Physical access is essential for healthcare utilization. Q19. Why are preventive screenings lower in marginalized groups? Answer: Cost, access, and health literacy barriers Rationale: These limit early disease detection. Q20. Which factor contributes to maternal health disparities? Answer: Limited prenatal care Rationale: Early care reduces complications. Q21. Community health workers help reduce disparities by: Answer: Bridging cultural and system gaps Rationale: They improve engagement and education. Q22. Which role is central to nursing practice in health equity? Answer: Advocacy Rationale: Nurses influence policy and patient access. Q23. Health literacy refers to: Answer: Ability to understand health information Rationale: Low literacy leads to poor outcomes. Q24. Immigration status affects health primarily through: Answer: Fear of seeking care Rationale: Concern about legal consequences delays treatment. Q25. Which intervention best reduces disparities long-term? Answer: Addressing social determinants Rationale: Root-cause solutions have sustained impact. Q26. Which organization often provides care regardless of insurance? Answer: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Rationale: They serve underserved populations. Q27. Which policy improves access for low-income populations? Answer: Medicaid expansion Rationale: Increases coverage and preventive care use. Q28. Why is trust important in underserved communities? Answer: It improves care-seeking behavior Rationale: Historical mistreatment has reduced trust. Q29. Which outcome indicates improved health equity? Answer: Reduced disease gaps between populations Rationale: Equity aims to close outcome differences. Q30. Which data source best identifies local disparities? Answer: County health assessments Rationale: Local data reflects community needs. Q31. Nurses reduce disparities by screening for: Answer: Social determinants of health Rationale: Early identification enables referrals. Q32. Lack of safe housing increases risk for: Answer: Chronic illness and injury Rationale: Environmental stressors worsen health. Q33. Discrimination affects health through: Answer: Chronic stress Rationale: Stress increases cardiovascular and mental health risks. Q34. Which determinant is most modifiable at community level? Answer: Access to resources Rationale: Community programs can improve access. Q35. Transportation barriers most directly affect: Answer: Appointment attendance Rationale: Missed visits delay care. Q36. Which population has higher infant mortality rates? Answer: Minority populations Rationale: Reflects systemic inequities. Q37. Why is early intervention important? Answer: Prevents disease progression Rationale: Early care reduces complications and costs. Q38. What is a key outcome of health promotion? Answer: Reduced healthcare costs Rationale: Prevention is cost-effective. Q39. Which nursing action promotes equity? Answer: Culturally tailored education Rationale: Improves understanding and adherence. Q40. Which is an upstream intervention? Answer: Improving education access Rationale: Addresses root causes of disparities. Q41. Why are minority communities underrepresented in research? Answer: Historical mistrust Rationale: Ethical violations reduced participation. Q42. Which strategy improves chronic disease outcomes? Answer: Community-based management programs Rationale: Local support improves adherence. Q43. The nurse’s role in policy includes: Answer: Advocacy and education Rationale: Nurses influence system-level change. Q44. Which outcome reflects improved access to care? Answer: Increased preventive visits Rationale: Indicates removal of barriers. Q45. Which factor increases emergency department dependence? Answer: Lack of primary care Rationale: Preventive gaps lead to crisis care. Q46. What is the goal of public health nursing? Answer: Improve population health Rationale: Focus is prevention and equity. Q47. Which approach best addresses health disparities? Answer: Multisector collaboration Rationale: Health is influenced beyond healthcare. Q48. Why is data stratification important? Answer: Identifies at-risk groups Rationale: Targeted interventions require precise data. Q49. What is a measurable indicator of success? Answer: Reduced hospitalization rates Rationale: Indicates better management and prevention. Q50. The most effective way to eliminate disparities is to: Answer: Address systemic and social inequities Rationale: Sustainable change requires structural solutions.