...A COMPARISON OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH. In this assignment the key differences and similarities of community psychology and the public health approach will be examined and critically compared. Community Psychology is a branch of psychology which is concerned primarily with achieving positive mental health in the broader context of the community rather than the individual. Public health is primarily concerned and focused on changing behaviours within the context of the public in order to lower the incidence of disease and lower the workload placed on professional medical practitioners. Community psychology is a relatively new field as far as the behaviour sciences go and was only established as a solution to the capitalistic and individualistic approach psychology had become after the Second World War. It does not stand as a unique and recognised field at the moment as there is little research and theories available in order to support further development. It is for this reason that when faced with challenges community psychology often reverts back to methods of individual psychotherapy. This damages the ultimate process and outcomes the initiatives. Community psychology also criticises conventional psychology for being elitist and only catering to the wealthy portion of the community as well as ignoring the low income groups who require the services. Community psychology strives to create equality to all social groups and therefore can often seem over...
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...TOPIC: A contrast and comparison of community psychology and public health 1. Introduction Community psychology and public health are disciplines that form part of psychology mainly concern with health. Community psychology focuses on physical and mental health promotion, empowerment and social action, while the focus of public health is on health promotion and disease prevention. These two differ in some aspect and also have existing similarities. They can also complement each other have greater impact on community health when integrated. This essay will attempt to reveal the differences, similarities as well as the strength and weakness of these two approaches, it will further conclude by discussing how they complement each other. Firstly a brief overview and historical background will be given for a better understanding. 2. Overview and historical background Community psychology movement developed in the USA, during an era when there was growing concern about both lack of resources and treatment facilities and the impact of social systems on the human psyche (Iscoe& Speilberger, cited in New perspective in community psychology, 2002) In the 1980s it then gained interest in South Africa, in parallel with the struggle for democracy, when psychologist examined the appropriateness’ of Euro-American based psychology. Public health on the other hand was developed during the era of industrial revolution. It was stimulated by unhealthy social conditions in both industrialised...
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...Comparison on Public Health and Community Health. Shelly Shew NUR/408 October 29, 2012 Kim Oatman Comparison on Public Health and Community Health Nursing. This paper will reflect the history of public health and significant events related to these agencies. The difference between public and community health will be acknowledged. Also information included on county, state, and national public health resources. There has been measurable growth and expansion over the years in regard to public health and its creation. Identification of Public health goes as far back as the 14th century. Towns and cities created a system known as quarantine to deter the bubonic plague (Black Death). Travelers and merchandise from places known to carry infections put in isolation. This procedure was in use until the 19th century to protect the public from the smallpox, syphilis, and cholera epidemics. Public health established services in 1798 as the Marine Hospital Service. This came about by early efforts of the federal government to provide health care to merchant seamen, protecting seaport cities from epidemics. In 1813 charitable services started by the Ladies Benevolent Society of Charleston, South Carolina, health care to the sick and poor. Another step toward the improvement of public health was the creation of the American Medical Association in 1847. Shortly after their existence this group formed a hygiene committee to conduct sanitary surveys and to develop a system to collect...
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...Running head: COMPARISON PAPER Comparison Paper Epidemiology: Global and Public Health NUR408 October 11, 2009 Comparison Paper Public and community health nursing are specialty areas that have been and will continue to be practiced and each having a specific area of focus. Research has indicated that many individuals tend to see each entity as one and have a misconception that public and community nursing is one in the same (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). The misconception is just that, a misconception. In the reading to follow, each area will discussed and one will be able to see the similarities and differences, the history and development and the role that is expected from each area of expertise. Although each specialty works within its main area of focus, the two also work closely together for the good of the individuals within the public and community sectors. Community and public health nurses strive to improve the health status of individuals, families, and populations. History and Development Public health and community health nursing has been in circulation for more than 120 years. Lillian Wald is known for being the established leader in this specialty. The goal of public health nursing has been to develop strategies to respond to prevailing public health problems. One of the earliest traditions of public health in America was similar to the British law known as the, Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 (Stanhope & Lancaster). This law guaranteed...
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...Platis NUR 408 Comparison Paper September 26, 2011 Pamela Orr In this paper I will examine public health resources provided by county, state and on national level. Also, we will look at a brief history of public health resources and important events that led to its changes. The difference between public and community health will also be explained. The National Public Health Performance Standard Program (NPHPSP) sets the framework by which public care is provided on a state and county level by providing information on how to assess the health status of community. This organization teaches how to diagnose health issues of the community, give information to encourage the public to advocate for its self, how to enable partnership within the community, make sure that healthcare is being practiced within legal parameters to protect the community from harm, ensure that local community resources or within the reach and knowledge of the populous of the community. NPHPSP also ensures that measures are taken to guarantee staffing and workforce that is competent and qualified to provide care, thus this represents how public health is provided with national resources (CDC.gov, n.d.). County level public health concentrates for example on making sure that its residents are aware where clinics for low income families are available, where they can get necessary immunization for no or little prize, give information on local food establishments, information on common health topics and...
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...Comparison Paper Karen Kennedy NUR/408 March 07, 2016 Kim Hall Comparison Paper This paper will examine public health resources provided by county, state and on national level. We will look at a brief history of public health resources and important events that led to its changes. The difference between public and community health will also be explained. On the national level public health can be traces to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which began with hospitals and care for seamen and marines in 1798. The Quarantine Act of 1887 moved power to quarantine people with infectious disease away from the stale level to the national level. The marine hospital system for sailors was renamed the Public Health Service on 1906. Children’s Service created in 1912 and changed to an advocate of children’s interests, child labor laws, for example. Bureau of Indian health service of 1921 created health services for Native Americans on reservations. In 1930, the National Hygienic Laboratory later became the National Institute of Health (NIH). The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, became the Food, and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1946, the Communicable Disease Center was created and then converted into the Center for Disease Control (CDC, n.d.). The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) was designed under President Eisenhower, and was brought into existence on April 11, 1953. HEW became the Department of Health and Human Services, officially...
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...Comparison Paper Jay Park NUR/408 September 28, 2015 University of Phoenix Comparison Paper The Los Angeles County is one of the largest counties in the US that deals with a very diverse community and population. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protects health, prevents disease, and promotes the health and well-being for all persons in Los Angeles County. Our focus is on the population as a whole, and we conduct our activities through a network of public health professionals throughout the community. Public health nurses make home visits to families with communicable diseases. Epidemiologists investigate the sources of disease outbreaks; environmental health specialists ensure safe food, water, and housing; and all work with community coalitions to advocate for public policies to protect and improve health (Department of Public Health, 2014). Los Angeles County provides health services through different series. Los Angeles Public Health website provides resources of different types of health programs. These programs conduct activities through public health professionals throughout the community. Some of the focuses of the Los Angeles County public health through public health professionals are to ensure the community’s safety, preventative diseases, and immunizations for children and providing primary health education. The California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission dedicates to optimizing the health and well-being of the people...
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...Comparison Paper NUR 408/ Instructor: Amy Reagan University of Phoenix Sharo V. Dennis October 11, 2010 Introduction The demand for public health nursing and community health nursing is currently on the rise. However many people do not know how to utilize the abundant amount of information and knowledge available throughout this nursing specialty. There are some people that don’t know that it exists, or they are unaware of the services that PHN provides. This paper focuses on the history of public health nursing, local public health information, the differences between public health nursing and community health nursing. As a result, the author wants the reader to be able to differentiate between the two nursing specialties. Local public health information The Memphis/Shelby County Health Department is the ideal place to find public health information in Memphis, TN. It is there that one can find information on current health facts i.e., H1N1 (symptoms and side effects) west nile virus and other illnesses, public announcements, updates, recalls, general wellness checkups, health concerns and vaccinations (for children and adults). The Memphis/Shelby County Health Department is the best place to encounter the workings of the public health nurse. In addition to the above information, The Memphis/County Health Department can provide information on encountering disasters, readiness and preparations for those disasters (MSCHD, 2010). History of Public Health ...
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...Comparison Paper Jaime Prado February 4, 2016 Comparison Paper In the United States, we are all very fortunate to have resources for families, communities, state and nationally. These resources are available to all individuals regardless of religion, race or sexual preference. Here in Ventura County, we have the Ventura County public health department, and their mission is healthy people, healthy families, and healthy communities. Ventura County Health Care Agency 2015). The state of California has the California Department of public health; their vision is Healthy individuals and families in healthy communities. The California Department of Public Health is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the people in California. (California Department of Public Health 2015). Nationally we have the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and their mission is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2015). The Ventura County public health offers many services; some of them are free of cost and others to offer financial assistance to individuals who do not have insurance. Some of the frequently requested services from the public health are emergency medical services, health promotion, and education, communicable disease reporting forms and these are used by family practice and hospitals, and HIV and Aids Center. More over then providing services to the community, the public health department...
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...Public Health Comparison Paper University Of Phoenix NUR/408 1 July 2012 Abstract This paper will provide information on county, state, and national public health resources and will describe the history of public health with related dates of pertinence. The differences between public and community health will also be discussed including influential individuals and significant historical events that have shaped the agencies and policies by which public health is directed. For purposes of comparison the public health departments relating specifically to disease prevention and control will be highlighted on a county, state and national level. Definitions The main objectives of public health resources “are the political and practical application of lessons learned from past successes and failures in disease control and the promotion of preventive measures to combat existing, evolving and re-emerging health threats and risks. Public health professionals address present and anticipated health problems in a complex world with great inequalities with specific targets which would help to achieve higher standards of health and a more just and socially responsible distribution of resources” (Tulchinsky & Varavikova, 2010). Public health encompasses a broad scope of health issues including the mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental aspects of health. Public health professionals are trained to occupy multiple roles within a complex framework. Public...
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...Comparison Paper Stephanie Collins NUR 408 February 16, 2015 Michelle Hogsed Comparison Paper Although, public health and community health entities deal with many of the same issues, the terms cannot be used interchangeably. Research must be performed on the various levels of public and community health in order to understand these differences. This paper will discuss the research that was conducted on county, state and national public resources and discuss the differences that were noted. Public Health Resources There are many different public and community health resources and programs provided at the county, state and national levels. Nurses across all facets of the profession should be aware of what programs are available to them and their patients. This knowledge can help guide the nurse in providing appropriate resources and care to those who need them. County Public Health Resources The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has many different programs and services available to the residents of the county. Depending of the program sought by the individual, there are various services that meet financial, cultural and medical needs of the client. In order to qualify for these programs patients must meet certain criteria. For example, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a nutritional program for women with children. WIC provides nutritional education in individual and group settings, breast feeding support and education, and financial support...
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...1 Public Health Comparison Paper Michele Zager, RN Nur/408 November 4th, 2013 Felita J. Patterson 2 Public Health Comparison Paper Public health is defined as “an organized activity of society to promote, protect, improve, and when necessary, restore the health of inficiduals, specified groups, or the enite population” (Scutchfield & Keck, 2009, p. 3). Public health has helped millions of people in the United States achieve the higest level of health possible. Through the efforts of county, state and national public health systems, community nursing and public health nursing have been able to effectively utilize resourses available to ensure the health of communities and the individuals living in those communities. In the United States, Public Health sprouted out of the needs of society to reduce poverty linked diseased, immigrats and industraial linked health problems (Buhler-Wilkerson, 1985). At the beginning of the 20th century, visiting nurses were already engaged in a campaign of teaching healthy habits to individuals. Soon, the realization “that individual helth depended to some extent on the health of the population generally, the hazareds of infectious diseases become an increasingly tangible concern” (Buhler-Wilderson, 1985, p.1155). The population began to view public health as a concern for everyone. One of the early pioneres in public health nursing was Florence Nightengale. She saw the difference between sick nursing and health nursing...
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...Running Head: Public Health Information Understanding Public Health Information [Name of Writer] [Name of Institute] Table of Contents Introduction 2 Health Indicators 2 Health facilities 2 Deprivation levels and Other Issues of Health 4 Strengths & Limitations of the Data Types & Sources 6 Health Needs of Dudley 7 References 10 Appendices 12 Understanding Public Health Information Introduction The continuous development of health facilities is one of the primary responsibilities of the administration of Dudley. The economic as well as psychological prosperity among the citizens of a country can be only availed by their satisfaction over the services of the government (James, 2009). Therefore, this report will analyze the significant health issues in Dudley in comparison to the national level. The core indicators of health issues among the citizens of Dudley on the basis of appropriate classifications will be analyzed in this report. The vast number of indicators will then be used to identify the appropriate strategy for the administrators of Dudley in order to maintain a trend of balanced health facilities and avoid further issues related to the health of citizens. Health Indicators Health facilities In order to analyze the performance of the health facilities, it is appropriate to analyze the health indicators of Dudley. The analysis of the performance in terms of health indicators such as life expectancy, deprivation...
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...these phrases, society has ignited a severe stigma leading to the “devaluing, disgracing, and disfavouring by the general public”(Abdullah & Brown, 2011) of individuals with these conditions. Although, this has been a long standing prominent issue all around...
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...Kolleh Chamberlain College of Nursing NR443-Community Health Professor Deborah Long November 25,2014 Introduction Often people forget that the community in which they live in plays a vital role on their lifestyle. Your community may influence you on how you experience others culture, it may predispose you to certain illnesses and crimes due to location. It may influence you to think big and want better for your future and your children’s future base on the people you are surrounded by. Communities sometimes influence its member’s careers paths base on merely the need of that community. The purpose of this paper is to assess the community of Stapleton, its demographic, needs and issues both health/wellness as well as interventions that may need to be implemented to improve the community. The windshield survey will also be discussed in this paper. Community Stapleton is a middle to low class neighborhood located in the heart of Staten Island close to St. Gorge Ferry. Stapleton is a diverse community that is very rich in culture. It is highly populated by African immigrants, African Americans, Hispanic’s, Albanians, Italians and few SRI Lankan’s. It consists of middle to low-income families. This area is great for new homebuyers as homes in this area are very affordable however many of its residents live in public housing complexes. Buses are easily accessible as there are five to six bus lines running throughout the community. Unfortunately there is only one train that...
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