Health Promotion: Prevention of Disease

Case Study
CASE STUDY: Albert
Albert Mitchell is a 36-year-old man who will be traveling to Dubai to give a business
presentation in 3 months. Although he has traveled widely in the United States as a consultant,
this is his first trip to the Middle East.
He requests information regarding immunizations needed before his trip. Albert states that as
he will be in Dubai for only a few days, he is unlikely to contract a disease in such a short time
and therefore believes that it is illogical to obtain immunizations.
Albert states that he has heard that the side effects of the immunizations might be worse than
the diseases they prevent. He is also concerned about leaving his wife at home alone because
she is 6 months pregnant.
Reflective Questions
How would you address Albert’s beliefs?
What learning would be needed in each domain?
What learning theories would you consider?
How might his family concerns be addressed?

Full Answer Section

      To address Albert's concern about the side effects of immunizations, it is important to explain that the side effects of most immunizations are mild and go away on their own. It is also important to explain that the risks of getting sick from a disease are much higher than the risks of side effects from the immunization. To address Albert's concern about leaving his pregnant wife at home alone, it is important to explain that most immunizations are safe for pregnant women and their babies. It is also important to explain that getting immunized can help to protect Albert's wife and baby from diseases that could be harmful to them. The following learning would be needed in each domain:
  • Cognitive: Albert would need to learn about the risks and benefits of immunization, the different types of immunizations available, and the potential side effects of each immunization.
  • Affective: Albert would need to develop positive attitudes towards immunization and understand the importance of getting immunized to protect himself and others from disease.
  • Behavioral: Albert would need to develop skills for making informed decisions about his health and for taking steps to protect himself and others from disease.
The following learning theories could be considered:
  • Cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps people to change their thoughts and behaviors. CBT could be used to help Albert to identify and challenge his negative thoughts about immunization and to develop more positive thoughts and beliefs.
  • Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a type of counseling that helps people to make their own decisions about their health. Motivational interviewing could be used to help Albert to explore his reasons for not wanting to get immunized and to develop a plan for making informed decisions about his health.
Albert's family concerns could be addressed by providing him with information about the safety of immunizations for pregnant women and their babies. It could also be helpful to connect Albert with other parents who have traveled internationally with their children and have gotten immunized. Here are some specific things that could be said to address Albert's beliefs:
  • Addressing the belief that he is unlikely to contract a disease in Dubai because he will only be there for a few days:
"I understand that you are concerned about the risks of getting immunized, but it is important to remember that even short trips can carry the risk of contracting certain diseases. For example, hepatitis A and typhoid can be contracted from contaminated food or water, even in countries with high standards of sanitation. Additionally, some diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, are highly contagious and can be spread to others, even if the person who has the disease is not feeling sick."
  • Addressing the concern about the side effects of immunizations:
"The side effects of most immunizations are mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site. Some people may also experience fever, headache, and muscle aches. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. The risks of getting sick from a disease are much higher than the risks of side effects from the immunization."
  • Addressing the concern about leaving his pregnant wife at home alone:
"I understand that you are concerned about leaving your pregnant wife at home alone, but I want to assure you that most immunizations are safe for pregnant women and their babies. In fact, getting immunized can help to protect your wife and baby from diseases that could be harmful to them. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe for pregnant women and can help to protect babies from these diseases from birth until they are old enough to get vaccinated themselves." It is important to remember that everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their health. However, it is also important to provide people with accurate information about the risks and benefits of immunization so that they can make informed decisions.  

Sample Answer

   

To address Albert's beliefs, it is important to empathize with his concerns and provide him with accurate information about the risks and benefits of immunization. It is also important to be respectful of his right to make his own decisions about his health, but to also encourage him to make informed decisions.

One way to address Albert's belief that he is unlikely to contract a disease in Dubai because he will only be there for a few days is to explain that some diseases, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, can be contracted from contaminated food or water, even during short trips. It is also important to explain that some diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, are highly contagious and can be spread to others, even if the person who has the disease is not feeling