Consider a population health topic that rises to the presidential agenda level. Which social determinant most affects this health issue? How did two recent presidents handle the problem? What would you do differently?
PRESIDENTIAL AGENDAS
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- Education: People with lower levels of education are also more likely to experience mental health problems. This may be due to limited opportunities and social isolation.
- Race and ethnicity: People of color are more likely to experience mental health problems than white people. This is due to a number of factors, including discrimination, racism, and trauma.
- Gender: Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than men. This is due to a number of factors, including hormonal changes, gender roles, and sexual violence.
- Housing: People who are homeless or who live in unstable housing are more likely to experience mental health problems. This is due to stress, lack of privacy, and exposure to violence.
- Increase funding for mental health research and treatment: The United States spends far less on mental health care than it does on physical health care. We need to increase funding for mental health research and treatment so that everyone who needs help can get it.
- Expand access to mental health care: Mental health care is often difficult to access, especially for people who live in rural areas or who lack insurance. We need to expand access to mental health care so that everyone who needs help can get it, regardless of their income or location.
- Reduce stigma around mental health: Mental health stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help. We need to reduce stigma around mental health so that people feel comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking help.
- Address the social determinants of mental health: We need to address the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, education, and housing, in order to improve mental health outcomes.
Sample Answer
Population Health Topic: Mental Health
Mental health is a critical population health issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, and they have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Social Determinants of Mental Health
There are many social determinants of mental health, which are the social factors that influence a person's mental health. Some of the key social determinants of mental health include:
- Poverty: People living in poverty are more likely to experience mental health problems than those who are not. This is due to a number of factors, including stress, lack of access to resources, and exposure to violence.