Health Promotion Plan
The health promotion plan focuses on addressing the issue of teen pregnancy within a specific population. Teen pregnancy poses unique challenges and risks to the well-being of young individuals and their communities. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to this concern and utilizing evidence-based strategies, I can promote positive health outcomes and empower young individuals to make informed decisions. The plan will consider the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence teen pregnancy rates while also addressing the specific needs and circumstances of the targeted population. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals and utilizing available resources, I aim to develop realistic and effective interventions that will mitigate the risks associated with teen pregnancy.
Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy is a significant health concern nationally and globally, with profound implications for individuals, families, and communities. According to the Healthy People 2030 initiative, the United States aims to reduce the rate of teen pregnancy to promote positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes for adolescents (Healthy People 2030, 2022). The initiative targets reducing the rate of pregnancies among females aged 15 to 17 years to 14.6 pregnancies per 1,000 females by 2030 (Monroe et al., 2023). Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the importance of addressing teen pregnancies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, with specific targets to reduce adolescent pregnancy rates. According to WHO, an estimated 12 million girls aged 15 to 19 years give birth yearly, with the highest rates occurring in low- and middle-income countries (Sommer et al., 2021). These pregnancies can lead to various adverse outcomes, including increased maternal and child mortality risk, low birth weight, preterm birth, and socioeconomic challenges.
Additionally, adolescent mothers are at higher risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy and childbirth than adult women, leading to increased healthcare costs. Children born to teenage mothers also face higher risks of health and developmental issues, requiring additional healthcare resources. Furthermore, teen pregnancies often interrupt education and limit economic opportunities for the young mother and her child, resulting in long-term social and economic costs for individuals and communities. Moreover, the cost of teen pregnancies in the United States is estimated to be around $9.4 billion annually, including healthcare, foster care, incarceration, and lost tax revenue (Simon et al., 2022). Efforts to prevent teen pregnancies and promote sexual and reproductive health are crucial for improving the well-being of adolescents and reducing the associated burdens on healthcare systems and society as a whole.
Underlying Assumptions
First, the estimated cost of $9.4 billion annually is based on various factors such as healthcare expenses, foster care, and incarceration, which may vary across regions and populations (Simon et al., 2022). Additionally, the calculation does not capture indirect costs such as long-term educational and career opportunities forgone by teenage parents. There is also uncertainty regarding the accuracy of data sources and the methodologies used to estimate costs. Furthermore, the analysis assumes a causal relationship between teen pregnancies and the economic burdens identified, although other social and economic factors may contribute to these outcomes (Ridley et al., 2020). Therefore, while the cost estimate provides a useful indication, it is essential to consider these assumptions and uncertainties when interpreting the findings.
Health Concerns for Teenage Girls
Teen pregnancy is crucial to address in health promotion efforts within a specific population because it directly impacts the health and well-being of adolescents and their communities. By focusing on reducing teen pregnancy rates, health promotion initiatives can effectively mitigate the associated risks and promote positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes. In the United States, teen pregnancy rates have declined over the past few decades, but it remains a significant concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020), there were approximately 16.7 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years, resulting in about 194,377 births to teenagers. These numbers highlight the issue’s magnitude and emphasize the need for targeted interventions.
Reducing teen pregnancy rates aligns with specific organizational policies and initiatives to promote adolescents’ well-being. For instance, the Healthy People 2030 initiative targets reducing pregnancies among females aged 15 to 17, emphasizing the importance of positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes. Similarly, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on evidence-based interventions to prevent teen pregnancies and support adolescent well-being (Healthy People 2030, 2022). By addressing teen pregnancy within a specific population, health promotion efforts can empower adolescents with knowledge, resources, and access to comprehensive sexual education and contraceptive services. These initiatives can help reduce the risks associated with early childbearing, including maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, lower educational attainment, and limited economic opportunities.
Prevalence of Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancies continue to be a prevalent issue worldwide, impacting the lives of young individuals and their communities. Shockingly, approximately 12 million girls aged 15 to 19 years give birth each year, which translates to around 23 births every minute (Noori et al., 2022). These numbers underline the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education and access to contraceptives. In the United States, although there has been a decline in teen pregnancy rates, there were still approximately 194,377 births to teenagers in 2020 alone, representing 4.6% of all births (Syed et al., 2021). These statistics emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce teen pregnancies and ensure the well-being of young individuals.
Patient Case
Ms. Becky is a 19-year-old high school student living in the vibrant town of Meadowvale. She is the eldest of three siblings. She belongs to a middle-class family. Her parents work in the local manufacturing industry and have provided their children with a supportive and nurturing environment. Ms. Becky began dating her classmate, and they have been in a committed relationship for the past few months. She is underweight for being pregnant. She is also facing health issues like frustration and depression due to this unexpected pregnancy. She is determined to continue her education while navigating her unplanned pregnancy’s emotional and physical implications seeking guidance and support to make informed decisions about her reproductive health and future.
Health Promotional Goals
A health promotion plan is essential for Ms. Becky to address the specific needs associated with her teen pregnancy. As a young individual, Ms. Becky requires comprehensive support, education, and resources to navigate this transformative phase and ensure the best possible outcomes for her and her baby. I formulated SMART goals that can provide clear and actionable targets. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound, allowing Ms. Becky to track her progress, stay motivated, and achieve positive health outcomes.
SMART Goals
I decided with Ms. Becky to create a plan for 38-40 weeks to improve the health outcomes and reduce complications during her pregnancy.
Goals
- Ms. Becky will attend a minimum of 10 prenatal check-ups, scheduled every four weeks until 28 weeks gestation, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly until delivery. It will ensure comprehensive monitoring of her pregnancy progress, and she will be able to undergo healthy delivery of her baby.
- Becky will follow a self-care management plan and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, aiming to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily while limiting processed foods and sugary beverages.
- Engaging in moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, such as brisk walking, swimming, meditation, and prenatal yoga, will help Becky improve cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being during pregnancy.
Specific: Ms. Becky will attend a minimum of 10 prenatal check-ups, following the recommended schedule, to monitor the health and development of her baby. By the end of the session, Becky will be able to manage her pregnancy.
Measurable: Ms. Becky will adhere to a balanced diet, aiming to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and limit processed foods and sugary beverages. By the end of the session, Becky will be able to manage self-care management.
Attainable: Ms. Becky will engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, such as brisk walking, swimming, meditation, and prenatal yoga, with the support and encouragement of her family. By the end of the session, Ms. Becky will be able to reduce her stress.
Realistic: Ms. Becky will be able to gain an average of 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, ensuring healthy weight gain for both her and the baby.
Time Bound: The goals will be achieved throughout Ms. Becky’s 38-40 week pregnancy period, ensuring the healthy and normal delivery of the baby and will be able to avoid complications during pregnancy.
Conclusion (NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Plan)
The health promotion plan for Ms. Becky’s teen pregnancy aims to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey. By seeking early and comprehensive prenatal care, accessing appropriate medical interventions and screenings, promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing emotional support, and preparing for childbirth and postpartum care, we strive to optimize her well-being and that of her baby. The plan incorporates evidence-based guidelines and recommendations from reputable organizations such as the Healthy People 2030, CDC, and WHO. With measurable goals, collaboration, and the utilization of available resources, I aim to empower Ms. Becky to make informed decisions, adopt healthy behaviors, and navigate this transformative phase with confidence. By addressing the specific needs of Ms. Becky and tailoring the plan to her unique circumstances, I endeavor to support her in achieving positive pregnancy outcomes and a successful transition into motherhood.
References
CDC. (2020). State teen birth rates by race and Hispanic origin: United States, 2017–2018 . Stacks.cdc.gov. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/90539
Healthy People 2030. (2022). Family planning – Healthy People 2030. Health.gov. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/family-planning
Monroe, P., Campbell, J. A., Harris, M., & Egede, L. E. (2023). Racial/ethnic differences in social determinants of health and health outcomes among adolescents and youth ages 10-24 years old: A scoping review. BMC Public Health , 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15274-x
Noori, N., Proctor, J. L., Efevbera, Y., & Oron, A. P. (2022). Effect of adolescent pregnancy on child mortality in 46 countries. BMJ Global Health , 7(5) . https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007681
Ridley, M., Rao, G., Schilbach, F., & Patel, V. (2020). Poverty, depression, and anxiety: Causal evidence and mechanisms. Science , 370(6522) . https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay0214
Simon, J., Hong, J., Pecora, P. J., Cloepfil, G., Gillespie, T., Parker, E., Klein, R., Garcia, T., & Hardy, M. (2022). An examination of recent federal and philanthropic funding for child welfare research in the United States. Children and Youth Services Review , 148 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106779
Sommer, M., Torondel, B., Hennegan, J., Phillips-Howard, P. A., Mahon, T., Motivans, A., Zulaika, G., Gruer, C., Haver, J., & Caruso, B. A. (2021). How addressing menstrual health and hygiene enable progress across sustainable development goals? Global Health Action , 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2021.1920315
Syed, H., Slayman, T., & Thoma, K. D. (2021). ACOG committee opinion no. 804: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obstetrics & Gynaecology , 137(2), 375–376. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000004266