Incorporating Genetics, Social Support and Environment into Public Health Campaigns – Global Issues
ABUJA, Sep 12 (IPS) – A recent study published in the Journal Communications Medicine examines how people from different income levels and urban or rural areas view factors that influence health in eight countries: Brazil, China, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and in the United States.
It found that those with higher incomes are more likely to think genetics is the most important factor in health, while those with lower incomes value social support more. In contrast, urban residents prioritize health care, while those in non-urban areas place greater importance on social support. This information can influence public health messaging.
Indeed, this research shows which are the three most important perspectives to consider in improving health care – social support, environment and genetics.
All are important in predicting health disorders and in providing quality health care. No one should be viewed alone. Genetics help predict health conditions before birth or years before they appear, some health conditions are more common in certain areas, and lack of social support may exacerbate the severity of various health conditions.
These three concepts should also be linked when creating public health messages about a disease such as sickle cell disease. That’s why.
Genetics
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that only affects black people. AS is the genotype for sickle cell trait. It is an inherited disease, meaning that a person gets it from their parents if they both carry the sickle cell gene. A male-female couple with the AS genotype has a 25% chance of giving birth to a child with sickle cell disease (SS) in each pregnancy.
In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are usually round and sickle-shaped. This makes them sticky and makes it difficult for them to travel through the blood vessels. They can get stuck, block blood flow, and cause pain, disease, and organ damage. Caring for patients with sickle cell disease is costly due to frequent pain complications and possible hospitalizations.
Public health messages about sickle cell disease should focus on prevention, remembering that it is difficult to appeal to people’s emotions when they are in love. The messages should be shared by families who already care for people living with sickle cell disease. It is the duty of health officials. However, there is an ecosystem of health advocates to support.
In the event that a woman with the AS genotype becomes pregnant with a man who is also pregnant, the disease can be detected in the fetus by taking a sample of some of the amniotic fluid.
This test can help parents prepare for the birth of a child, learn more about sickle cell disease, its complications, how to prevent complications to make the child live a pain-free life and the best way to take care of the child.
It would also enable them to prepare themselves financially to take care of the sickle cell hero. As sad as it may be, a couple knowing their genotype sometimes causes them to end their marriage or decide not to have children and instead opt for adoption. They need all the information they need to make informed decisions.
Community Support
Family members are the primary and most important caregivers for sickle cell disease survivors. They are usually not paid for their services; others abandon their dreams while caring for sickle cell warriors and it takes a toll on their mental health.
Government and non-profit organizations should push for policies to care for caregivers. Those policies should provide financial compensation to caregivers, provide opportunities for ongoing professional development for caregivers, provide paid caregiver alternatives that allow family caregivers to have respite.
Other community connections include organizations such as the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. These organizations contribute to hero care fundraising, research, policy development and advocacy. These organizations often hold public awareness campaigns, working closely with public health authorities and healthcare providers. Families of sickle cell warriors can reach them by asking their health care providers and contacting these organizations through their websites.
Place of residence
Sickle cell disease is common in low- and middle-income countries. In those countries, there may be more severe problems due to widespread poverty, lack of diagnosis, and limited access to health care. Even in high-income countries, poor families bear the brunt of sickle cell disease.
A US study found that 98% of sickle cell disease cases are African-American and 42% have family incomes close to the federal poverty level. People in the upper socioeconomic class also suffer from sickle cell disease. Therefore, messages should target everyone regardless of social class.
To be sure, public health messages must be tailored to address the perspectives of diverse populations. However, we should not forget how interconnected they are. Indeed, it is important to understand the role of genetics, social interaction, and socioeconomic status to design effective messaging strategies. That is how the findings of this study can benefit everyone.
Dr. Ifeanyi M. NsoforMBBS, MCommH (Liverpool) is a member of the Global Fellows Advisory Board at the Atlantic Institute, Rhodes Trust, Oxford
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
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