NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 Identifying Community Health Needs

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 5003 Health Assessment and Promotion for Disease Prevention in Population-Focused Health

Prof. Name

Date

Identifying Community Health Needs

Identifying the health needs of a population is a foundational strategy for enhancing care delivery and mitigating disparities. When health professionals gain a detailed understanding of specific medical concerns within a community, they can design targeted programs to address those issues directly. In Arkansas, hypertension (HTN) stands out as a major health concern. This condition, often silent in its early stages, can lead to serious outcomes such as stroke or heart disease if unmanaged. By focusing on HTN within the state, especially among vulnerable populations, healthcare stakeholders can develop strategies to reduce its incidence, increase screening access, and deliver effective education about risk factors and management options.

This targeted assessment begins with an analysis of Arkansas’s demographic characteristics and trends, which provide context for the state’s health challenges. The population distribution, socioeconomic indicators, and racial or ethnic composition play an important role in shaping health outcomes. As the assessment progresses, specific attention is given to identifying disparities in HTN prevalence, especially among historically underserved or marginalized communities. By isolating which groups experience higher rates of HTN, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources and tailor interventions more effectively to reduce preventable disease burdens.

Effective community health assessment also requires understanding trends in migration, income inequality, and population aging. In Arkansas, these trends are pronounced and deeply influence health equity. Tracking these developments in conjunction with HTN incidence provides a more comprehensive picture of how chronic disease is woven into the fabric of everyday life for Arkansas residents. Ultimately, this analysis aims to lay the groundwork for strategic, community-driven responses to hypertension and related health disparities.

Demographic Characteristics

Demographic data play a critical role in shaping public health planning, especially when addressing chronic conditions like HTN. These characteristics offer insight into how people live, access care, and engage in health-promoting behaviors. Arkansas, with a total population of over 3 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021), is demographically diverse. The racial composition includes approximately 61.6% White, 12.4% Black or African American, 18.7% Hispanic, and 6% Asian individuals. The median age of residents is around 36 years, signaling a balanced distribution between working-age adults and an aging population.

The table below provides a clear breakdown of key demographic indicators in Arkansas:

Demographic Factor	Data
Total Population	3,011,524
Median Age	36 years
Racial Composition	White (61.6%), Black (12.4%), Hispanic (18.7%), Asian (6%)
Major Health Concerns	HTN, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Obesity, Smoking
Health Rank (National)	38th out of 50 (overall health)
HTN Prevalence	40.7% among adults

Arkansas consistently ranks low in health outcomes, particularly in areas of obesity, tobacco use, and physical inactivity (America’s Health Rankings, n.d.). These behaviors contribute to the high burden of chronic illnesses, including HTN and DM. Arkansas ranks 46th in the nation for hypertension prevalence, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue (America’s Health Rankings, n.d.).

Socioeconomic factors like education levels, income brackets, and access to healthcare further influence these outcomes. Minority populations, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, tend to experience higher poverty rates and reduced access to health services (Creamer, 2020). These gaps highlight a critical need for policy interventions focused on health equity.

Population Trends and Hypertension Impact

Over the last decade, Arkansas has experienced notable demographic transitions. One of the most significant trends is the state’s aging population. The median age increased from 37.2 in 2010 to 38.4 by 2019, and this trend is projected to continue (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This shift will likely intensify the state’s healthcare challenges, especially for chronic conditions like HTN, which disproportionately affects older adults. Another major trend is the substantial growth of minority populations—most notably a 48% increase in the Hispanic community and a 37% rise in the Asian population since 2010. In contrast, the Black or African American population has remained stable in proportion (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).

Geographically, rural-to-urban migration has significantly shaped the state’s population distribution. Between 2010 and 2019, 53 of Arkansas’s 75 counties experienced population decline, primarily in rural areas (Arkansas Senate, 2021). This shift presents both opportunities and challenges: urban centers may have more healthcare resources, but rural residents often face reduced access to primary care, thereby exacerbating HTN management difficulties.

Two critical data gaps limit the state’s ability to fully address disparities: lack of LGBTQ+ health data and incomplete poverty metrics across minority groups. Without robust data on LGBTQ+ individuals’ health outcomes, it becomes difficult to allocate resources or develop inclusive interventions. Similarly, while African American and Hispanic poverty levels are documented, limited information on Native American and Asian communities impedes comprehensive policy development (Creamer, 2020).

HTN significantly affects Arkansas’s African American population. According to Simpson (n.d.), 34% of African American adults in Arkansas have HTN, compared to 28% of White adults. This disparity reflects a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social determinants of health. The elderly population also exhibits a high prevalence of HTN, with individuals aged 65 and older at particular risk due to physiological aging and other chronic comorbidities (America’s Health Rankings, n.d.).

To effectively communicate this demographic and health data to diverse audiences, the use of simple language, contextual information, and visual aids is crucial. Visual representations such as graphs or infographics can make complex data digestible. Moreover, incorporating stories or examples from affected communities can foster emotional engagement and support better understanding (Ginting et al., 2024).

Conclusion

Arkansas faces serious public health challenges, particularly regarding chronic conditions like HTN, obesity, and DM. These conditions disproportionately impact African American communities and older adults, influenced by a mix of socioeconomic and environmental factors. Understanding the state’s demographic trends—including population aging and urban migration—enables more precise intervention planning. Addressing data gaps, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ health and minority group poverty, is also essential for equitable healthcare delivery. Communication strategies should prioritize clarity, accessibility, and engagement through visuals and real-world examples. With these strategies, Arkansas can work toward reducing HTN-related disparities and improving health outcomes for all its residents.

References

America’s Health Ranking. (n.d.). Explore Obesity in Arkansas | AHR. America’s Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/Obesity/AR

America’s Health Ranking. (n.d.). America’s Health Rankings | AHR. America’s Health Rankings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/hypertension/AR

Arkansas Senate. (2021). New Census Shows 3.3 Percent Population Growth in Arkansas. Arkansas Senate. https://senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/posts/2021/august/new-census-shows-33-percent-population-growth-in-arkansas/