GCU PUB655 2021 February Full Course Latest

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Defining international or global health is important and some consider global health synonymous with public health. Select one of the following two statements:

1. Global health is public health requiring similar training and research methods.

2. Global health is a separate discipline requiring specific training and research methods.

Identify at least two arguments that support the selected statement and provide sources to support those arguments. Identify and discuss one historical event that is important in how global health is understood today and how that event supports your argument. For one of your substantive responses, identify another classmate that selected the opposite statement and provide at least one point of agreement and one point of disagreement.

DQ2 Poverty is central to health and development in low-income and middle-income countries. State your definition of poverty prior to studying public health. Based on this definition, what would be the focus of poverty alleviation solutions? Based on the relational and spiritual definition of poverty, discuss how the focus of solutions would change to include a holistic approach. Identify an example of a health program or solution that integrates a relational definition of poverty. Watch the video on "Defining Poverty" to help in responding to this discussion question.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Review the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, then evaluate the following statement by Katja Iversen, CEO of Women Deliver: "The SDGs are not a menu, they are a roadmap. We need to ask ourselves: Who can we do this with, and who does this affect?"

Discuss the difference between a roadmap and menu in reference to the SDGs and why a roadmap analogy makes more sense. In your response, reference at least two different goals between Goals 4 and 17 that are connected to health. Additionally, identify two key targets for reaching Goal 3 and why you think these are critical. Discuss two actions you could take to help make progress toward reaching the SDGs as a global society. Refer to the United Nations’ “The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World” in the Topic Materials.

DQ2 Visit "Global: Both Sexes, All Ages, 2016, DALYs" on the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation GBD Compare Data Visualization Hub website.  Compare the primary causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from countries in two different socio-demographic index levels or economic regions. Identify three social or political-economic differences that help explain the differences you observed. Discuss the utility of the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) measure as a composite measure of health. Why is the DALY helpful given the different categories of Communicable, Noncommunicable, and Injury when it comes to comparing mortality and morbidity?

 

 

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 Globalization involves several features, including governance structures, communication, mobility, technology, and the environment. Based on the readings for this topic, identify two features of globalization that you think are the most important and discuss one example for each as to how it influences health. Identify a health issue that was not a global threat in the past but, due to changes in globalization, is now a global threat. Discuss what countries might do to prepare for this emerging health threat considering the issue of human rights in low-income and middle-income countries.

DQ2 Public health and health care systems are impacted by globalization the exchange of new ideas, and opportunities to influence the larger field of global health. As you consider the factors related to globalization, discuss how low-income and middle-income countries should navigate the balance in building strong public health systems alongside an efficient health care system. What three pieces of advice would you give the Minister of Health in a country like Zambia or Nepal when it comes to the structure and integration of health care and public health?

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 Social and economic inequalities lead to imbalances in opportunities for advancement and growth. These imbalances lead to a greater sense of insecurity and lack of control. Microfinance or village banking programs are approaches used to encourage shared risk, security in savings, and opportunities for capacity building. Discuss the potential of such microfinance programs in lower-income communities where irregular income is common and their impact on reducing social and economic disparities. In your response, identify a specific example of such a program in a low-income or middle-income country and critically discuss one challenge and one benefit of the program. Evaluate the relationship between economic microfinance programs and social inequalities.

DQ2 Inequalities lead to feelings of despair, depression, and anxiety often associated with substance use disorders. Consider the following scenario: Mr. Banda is a middle-aged man living in rural Malawi with a wife and three young children. He often travels to find work while his wife and children maintain the family farm to sustain themselves. Recently, Mr. Banda found out he was HIV positive without access to HIV antiretroviral therapy in the village. He became severely depressed and turned to alcohol to help him cope as an available social outlet. Over time, he started to drink on credit against his family's harvest. When harvest time came, the tavern owner showed up at Mr. Banda's home demanding half of his harvest to pay off his debt. Mr. Banda has come to you to ask for help. How would you respond to Mr. Banda after he shared his story with you? Discuss three social or economic inequalities influencing Mr. Banda's actions and options. How would you leverage the strengths of faith-based organizations or

churches in the area to address these factors influencing Mr. Banda's options assuming others in the community are going through similar situations? Watch the "Aid and Development" video to help you in answering this discussion question.

 

 

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Cultural competence and cultural humility are central in engaging and communicating with community members and leaders. Provide your own definition of cultural humility in the context of public health. How does your definition compare to the points made about cultural humility in the Topic Material entitled "Reflections on Cultural Humility"? In addition to cultural humility, describe one other principle necessary when communicating public health content to engage communities to act. Describe a real example of this principle in action.

DQ2 Sustainable community health strategies in economically diverse communities constitute the goal of public health. An international perspective is helpful to consider the diverse cultural beliefs, social systems, and values that make up a community. True transformation happens from within the community and includes intentional focus on the whole person and surrounding influences. Asset-based community development (ABCD) is an approach used to help facilitators focus on community assets rather than only discussing problems and needs. Evaluate and critique the ABCD approach. Is it realistic to think that poor communities have existing and unrecognized assets that can lead to economic opportunities? Discuss two benefits and two challenges when it comes to the effectiveness of ABCD in mobilizing communities for development.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 Discuss three of the nine Sphere Core Humanitarian Standards. Identify the one that you think is most often neglected in the case of natural disasters or complex humanitarian emergencies. Discuss characteristics of complex humanitarian emergencies in your response. Share a real example of how these standards were (or were not) applied in a recent humanitarian crisis.

DQ2 Sign up to receive the daily e-newsletter from Global Health NOW. Identify one story or current situation from Global Health NOW or the United National Refugee Agency about displaced people. Comment on the cause of the displacement, what international governments and nongovernmental agencies are doing to serve the people physically and mentally, and gaps that the faith-based community and churches could fill. Discuss the link between relief and development in your response and your suggestions for sustainable health promotion and development among the displaced population.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 The textbook states, that often orphanages "ignore the power and presence of local communities and extended families in caring for orphans. Not only that, but many times exacerbate the challenges faced by orphans because they contribute to the cycle of 'attachment and abandonment,' owning to the short-term nature of these volunteer efforts" (p. 191). Evaluate this statement given what you know about the well-being of children. In what situations would orphanages or institutions for children be appropriate options and at what ages? How would a country's Department or Ministry of Health apply a Health in All Policies approach to address the economic and social issues presented in this statement?

DQ2 Children are foundational to health of communities made up of family units. Understanding the context within which children are living, playing, growing, and developing is necessary as culture influences the definition of health. However, it is easy to focus on the physical needs of children while neglecting the emotional and spiritual needs of children. Provide one example from the Bible of how children were served spiritually or emotionally. Discuss how this example might inform your approach in helping culturally diverse families holistically support their children. Identify and discuss how emotional and mental health in children might look different based on different cultural definitions of health.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 8 Discussion

DQ1 Partnerships involve strong servant leadership that builds trust based on transparency and honesty. Often, the needed programs and practices are known but a respectful partnership with the community is missing. Based on your experiences and the assigned reading, discuss the importance of servant leadership in building trust and sustainable partnerships. Identify an example of someone who exhibited servant leadership skills in building a cross-cultural partnership and why these efforts were successful. State whether you agree or disagree with the following statement and provide two reasons for your stance: A true partnership involves risk shared by all parties.

DQ2 The local church is often seen as an access point to the community but rarely engaged in a true partnership. Discuss two challenges and two benefits of building partnerships that involve the local church or other communities of faith. Describe two criteria you think are necessary for healthy and effective partnerships that take into consideration the challenges you mentioned. Share an example of how you have applied these criteria in your life. For additional insight in responding to this discussion question, watch the "Partnership Development" video.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 2 Assignment  

Evaluating a Global Health Issue

The Global Burden of Disease study is conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and published in the Lancet journal. It captures and analyzes data on many major causes of mortality and morbidity from almost every country. The study allows researchers and practices to compare countries and also help individual countries prioritize major health issues and risk factors with available resources. Review the background of the study by exploring the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation website as well as the various GBD reports found in the Lancet journal. Create a PowerPoint presentation (five to seven slides, not including your title or references slide) that addresses one of the top five causes of mortality and morbidity from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). Select the health issue based on a specific country of interest and include the following in your presentation:

Evidence and statistics supporting it as a major health issue, such as the Disability Adjusted Life Years or other measures of mortality and morbidity. Indicate which country you selected.

Four major risk factors related to the health issue.

Potential gaps or limitations in the data.

Three social or economic opportunities to control or reduce the prevalence of this issue (reference the connection to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals).

Points of interest regarding this leading cause of mortality and morbidity related to the country you selected.

Refer to the resource, "Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations," located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 3 Assignment  

Benchmark - Integrating Health Care and Public Health Systems

When considering public health and health care systems and the services they provide, it is important to think about how these systems and services are integrated. Systems thinking tools are helpful to consider the various links, feedback loops, and decision points within a system to identify opportunities for improvement and increase efficiency.

For this assignment, select a low- or middle-income country of interest and assess its health system. In a 1,000-1,250-word paper, address the following:

Describe the major components of the health system.

Discuss core services the health system provides and who manages them(government, private sector, a mix of both, etc.).

Discuss who is responsible for paying for those services or who funds the provided services.

Apply a systems thinking tool, such as a causal diagram or process map, to identify opportunities for how gaps in public health services can be bridged through a strong health system.

Conclude by considering how the convergence of communicable and noncommunicable diseases can be addressed more effectively through an integrated health system in the selected country.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 5 Assignment  

Benchmark - Participatory Learning and Action Tools

Participatory learning and action (PLA) tools are used to engage communities in a process of shared decision making around their strengths and assets. Action steps are often identified by the group to make social, economic, or environmental changes in their community. Select and practice one of the following participatory learning and action tools:

Community asset map

Holistic worldview analysis

Appreciative inquiry interview

Problem tree analysis (also called diagramming)

Photovoice

Guides on how to facilitate the tools are described in the community

engagement and PLA resources in the Topic Materials. Identify an individual or

group of individuals with whom you are currently working as part of your job,

service, volunteerism, or family. Review the selected tool and become familiar

with the process and purpose of the tool prior to facilitating it with your

selected individual or group.

In a 1,000-1,250-word essay, discuss the following:

What tool did you select and why did you select it instead of the other options?

What cultural insight did you learn based on the individual or group you selected? Include a brief description of the individual or group you engaged for this

assignment.

What challenges did you identify in facilitating the tool?

Discuss how the participants responded to the tool regarding their participation and shared decision making. Consider how PLA tools are focused on building the

capacity of people versus projects or programs.

A Health in All Policies approach, which include economic and environmental

factors, is important in addressing the interconnectedness of health factors to

support holistic transformation. Discuss how this community engagement approach through such a tool is useful for assessing a Health in All Policies approach. In addition, consider how this approach is effective in reducing health

disparities by addressing economic and environmental issues through community

mobilization and assets. Review the website and introductory report on "Health

in All Policies," by the American Public Health Association (APHA), and "What

You Need to Know About Health in All Policies," by the World Health

Organization (WHO), located in the Topic Materials for additional insight.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 7 Assignment  

Benchmark - Faith-Based Organization Case Study

A faith-based organization (FBO) is an organization that has a faith or religious component as its foundation and motivation for its work. The purpose of this assignment is to assess a faith-based organization and understand how it is unique. Faith-based organizations play an important role in global health given their holistic approach to serving the whole person and community, especially among vulnerable groups. Identify an example of a faith-based global health organization or ministry. Research the institution by reviewing annual reports, websites, papers, program documents, or conducting in-person or phone interviews. The organization should be at least 5 years old, work in multiple countries, and have an explicit faith-based foundation. Write a 1,000-1,250-word case study on the selected organization in which you assess the following aspects of the organization:

Mission

Assess how the mission of the organization aligns with its strategies and work.

How does the mission of the organization match its strategies and activities in

serving vulnerable or low-income populations?

How does the organization integrate faith into its public health activities and

programs? Comment on how the organization balances its mission to share its

faith with its goal to improve health.

Are the values of the organization unique compared to other global health organizations?

Populations

Assess the populations served by the organization or ministry.

How does the organization or ministry identify a population or individuals to

serve?

Does the organization have specific eligibility criteria?

Funding Mechanism

Assess the funding mechanism of the organization.

What are the primary sources of support for the organization?

Do the local populations being served by the organization help support the

organization (time, talents, or treasure)?

Partnerships

Assess the partnerships of the organization within public health to develop innovative and appropriate public health models.

How does the organization work or partner with other organizations, churches, or groups in the communities where the organization works?

Does the organization partner with governmental public health agencies?

How could the organization improve the effectiveness of its "aid" and support in the communities within which it works?

General Requirements

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

 

PUB655 International Perspectives in Community Health

Week 8 Assignment  

Final Reflection: Systems Thinking With Small Changes

A systems thinking approach is necessary when leading a public health initiative in a culturally and economically diverse community. On the other side, it is important to not ignore the individual aspects of health. Given the influence of political or economic systems, reflect on how focusing on broad social, political, and economic factors might blind us to the interpersonal aspects of health and the small individual impacts that can change a person's world. In a 500-word reflection, comment on how a systems-based approach helps bridge gaps in providing necessary public health services but needs to be balanced with a personal holistic approach to transform communities. View the "Start Small, Change the World: Lori DiPrete Brown at TEDxUWMadison" video on YouTube to provide additional perspective.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.