In a 7- to 10-page proposal (not including title page and references), address the following:
Briefly identify your selected chronic health issue and population.
Describe the geographic region and important characteristics of this population.
Describe the patterns of the disease in your selected population using the epidemiologic characteristics of person, place, and time.
Identify one health outcome you would like to improve for the population.
Briefly summarize current evidence that supports the importance of improving this health outcome.
Briefly describe the evidence-based program you are developing, and why this approach will best fit the needs of your population.
Explain what data you would need to collect, and how you would obtain and analyze it. You may choose to collect primary data or use secondary data. Justify your choice.
Using the “SMART” method, write short- and long-term objectives for the program.
Identify the stakeholders who should be involved in program planning.
Identify which program planning model (see Curley, Chapter 7) you selected for your program. Justify your selection of model. Based on the model, explain how you would plan, implement, and evaluate the program.
Explain any relevant cultural or ethical considerations related to your program design.
Explain how you would fund the program.
Describe strategies that would be appropriate for marketing the program.
Sample Answer
Public Health Proposal: Culturally Tailored Diabetes Self-Management in the Rio Grande Valley
I. Introduction and Population Identification
A. Selected Chronic Health Issue and Population
The selected chronic health issue is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The target population is Elderly Hispanic/Latino Adults (aged 60 and older) residing in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of South Texas. This region, situated along the U.S.-Mexico border, represents a highly vulnerable and medically underserved community facing an exceptionally high burden of T2DM.
. Geographic Region and Population Characteristics
The geographic region is the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), primarily encompassing Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Starr counties in South Texas. This region is characterized by:
Demographics: Over 90% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The elderly population (60+) is rapidly expanding.
Socioeconomic Status: The RGV is one of the poorest metropolitan areas in the United States. High rates of unemployment, food insecurity, and low educational attainment are prevalent.
Healthcare Access: There is a critical shortage of primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and specialized diabetes educators. Geographic isolation and lack of transportation often serve as significant barriers to regular clinic visits and specialty care.
Cultural Characteristics: Key cultural factors influencing health behavior include:
Familismo: Strong identification with and attachment to the extended family, which can influence dietary choices and medication adherence (e.g., eating traditional family meals).
Fatalismo: A belief that health outcomes are predetermined by fate or God, which can lead to lower motivation for self-management and preventive behaviors.
Confianza: A preference for seeking health advice from trusted community members (e.g., lay health workers) or family before consulting formal medical systems.