Fighting the Rise of Sexually Transmitted Disease

Fighting The Rise Of Sexually Transmitted Disease

Kayla Kellams

Western Governors University

Fighting The Rise Of Sexually Transmitted Disease

        For this paper I will be focusing on community health problems in a simulated town called Sentinel City. Many influencing factors are present in this urban city. It has a predominantly white population but diversity is ever present. Major community health concerns are present. The main focus of this paper will to bring to light both positive and negative factors influencing this city.

        The main part of this paper will then focus on the number one community health problem I indentified while visiting this city, which was the rise of certain sexually transmitted diseases. Focusing on all populations, but specifically the 15-24 age group, which STDs are on this rise in this community. I will be taking special interest in the sexually transmitted diseases of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, which are the highest percentage of STDs found in this city. Also to note there has been a national increase of 2.8% and 5.1% respectively of these two specific STDs (CDC 2015). This is another reason I find this of such an important issue for this city.

Assessment of Needs and Risks

        The needs and risks assessment was performed again by touring through this city via bus and walking. I was able to find pertinent information at several places in town. The demographics assessment tool gave a wonderful starting point to identify race, sex, and economic standing of this community. The neighborhood safety inventory section, helped me to identify current resources and possible needs that are present in this city. The windshield survey was the most beneficial section to actually get in the city and take time to look around and see problems this city was facing for myself. Finally, the population health scavenger hunt helped for me to identify local services and programs that are currently in place.  

Demographics Assessment

        Sentinel city has a total population of 634,265 as of 2012. Sixty percent of the population is between the ages of 19-64, 7.4% is less than five years old, 21.7% are less than eighteen years old, and finally 10.5% is sixty-five or older. The majority of the citizens are of Caucasian decent at 52.7%, Hispanics account for 31.5%, African Americans make up 10.4%, and Asians, American Indians, Hawaiians, and bi-radials make approx. 9% of the population of this city. 18.9% of this city’s population is living below poverty level. The median income for the residents of Sentinel City is $49,091. Four distinct neighborhoods are present in this city. They are nightingale square, Acer Tech Center, Casper Park District, and Industrial Heights.

        A closer look at the demographics of each neighborhood shows that most residents live in the Casper Park District, with a population of 352,643. These families have a median income of $80,134 and have a 22.7% rate of being uninsured. The next neighborhood of Acer Tech Center has a population of 168,390. The uninsured rate here is low at 1.5% and residents in this neighborhood have a median income of $166,300. In Nightingale Square the median income is $269,550. Population of this neighborhood is 103,974. Finally, the neighborhood with the lowest population is Industrial Heights with a population of just 38,855. The median household income for this area is also significantly low at $24,672. The non-insured rate for this area is also significantly high compared to other neighborhoods at 37.5%.

Neighborhood/Community Safety Inventory

        Safety hazards that were identified included food safety violations were on the rise in the previous year. Pollution is also an apparent problem, one indication of this is the fact that the number one cause of emergency room visits has been cough; air pollution is noted in several areas of the city. Several areas also have many buildings that are in disrepair and not being tended too, this is most notably seen in the Industrial Heights and Casper Park district neighborhoods. Stray dogs and cats are also noted throughout the city, which could be causing the increase in dog bites noted in Industrial Heights. Several areas on ongoing construction were noted also around the city which could be potential safety concerns, if the areas are not supervised well. Trash along many store fronts was also present. This does not help the safety of citizens or animals in the prevention of disease forming microorganisms. Graffiti present to building in all areas of the city also indicate the presence of gang activity.

        The most prevalent drug use noted in this city is that of Marijuana, which is noted by the current rate of arrests for this, which is 23%. Controlled substance arrests come in at 16%.  EMS response times are also another major safety concern for this town. Overall EMS response time is 7.46, which is better than 2 of the 3 comparison cities. However, this city has increase in V-fib patients and the response time of the EMS has been on the decline. For the crime rate of the city, the most common arrest are for warrants, drug related charges, and battery. It does appear violent crimes have been on a decrease in the past year. As noted above however gang violence is present in the city. Most notable is the gang activity involving simple assault, robberies, homicide, and aggravated assault. Aggravated assault did show a decrease in the past year, but the number of offenses remains comparably high.

Windshield Survey

        During my visit through the town of Sentinel City via bus ride and getting out frequently and walking, many observations on the town were made. One major indicator of the town is its presentation, in the more prosperous areas of town such as Nightingale Square and Acer Tech Center, the building appear to be in much better shape than the other two neighborhoods. More citizens are noted out and about socializing at local cafes. These areas do have minimal graffiti and some areas of trash present. For the most part however, these areas of town are maintained much better than the other two lower income neighborhoods. Several apartment buildings and condo buildings are present. No suburban areas with yards and houses noted in any of the neighborhoods. All areas are mainly concrete and brick buildings. There small grass areas noted at the school yard and at one of the apartment complexes in Casper Park District. This area however does not appear to be maintained well. The building is in disrepair and the grass appears high. Not much in the way of neighborhood pride noted, especially in the neighborhoods of Industrial Heights and Casper Park District.