The Impact of Personal Health Behavior on Individual and Population Health Status and Healthcare Costs in the US

QUESTION

Beginning in the 1970s and well into the 2000s, more research was conducted on behavioral health risks such as the risks of smoking, drinking, unhealthy diets, etc. Do you believe that personal health behavior has an effect on the individual and population health status and health care costs in the US? Why?

ANSWER

The Impact of Personal Health Behavior on Individual and Population Health Status and Healthcare Costs in the US

Introduction

In recent decades, there has been extensive research on behavioral health risks, focusing on factors such as smoking, drinking, and unhealthy diets(Ng et al., 2020). This research has shed light on the significant impact of personal health behavior on both individual and population health status, as well as healthcare costs. In this essay, we will explore the compelling evidence that supports the notion that personal health behavior plays a crucial role in shaping the health outcomes of individuals and populations, while also affecting the financial burden on the US healthcare system.

Individual Health Status

Personal health behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor dietary choices, and physical inactivity, have been identified as primary contributors to chronic diseases(Ng et al., 2020). These behaviors substantially increase an individual’s risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various types of cancer. For instance, smoking is widely recognized as a leading cause of preventable deaths in the US, and it is strongly linked to lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart disease. Similarly, an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related conditions. By engaging in healthier behaviors, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to chronic diseases, enhance their overall health status, and improve their quality of life.

Population Health Status

The impact of personal health behavior extends beyond the individual level and influences population health. When a significant proportion of the population engages in unhealthy behaviors, it accumulates to have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the population. Unhealthy behaviors contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and diminished quality of life for communities(National Academies Press (US), 2002). Additionally, the consequences of poor health behavior can be intergenerational, perpetuating a cycle of unhealthy choices and suboptimal health outcomes for future generations.

Healthcare Costs

Unhealthy behaviors exert a substantial burden on healthcare systems, leading to escalating healthcare costs. Chronic diseases influenced by personal health behavior, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, account for a significant portion of healthcare expenditures in the US. The management of these preventable conditions requires extensive medical interventions, including medications, hospitalizations, surgeries, and other healthcare services(Schmidt, 2016). By adopting healthier behaviors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, thereby decreasing the need for intensive healthcare interventions. This preventive approach not only improves health outcomes but also alleviates the financial strain on the healthcare system.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the belief that personal health behavior has a profound impact on both individual and population health status, as well as healthcare costs in the US. By recognizing the significance of personal health behaviors and their role in shaping health outcomes, policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals themselves can work towards fostering a culture of health promotion and disease prevention. Public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy interventions that encourage healthier behaviors can lead to improved individual well-being, enhanced population health, and a more sustainable healthcare system. Ultimately, investing in promoting healthier lifestyles can contribute to a healthier, happier, and more prosperous society.

References

National Academies Press (US). (2002). Understanding Population Health and Its Determinants. The Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st Century – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221225/

Ng, R., Sutradhar, R., Yao, Z., Wodchis, W. P., & Rosella, L. C. (2020). Smoking, drinking, diet and physical activity—modifiable lifestyle risk factors and their associations with age to first chronic disease. International Journal of Epidemiology, 49(1), 113–130. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz078

Schmidt, H. H. (2016). Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. In Public health ethics analysis (pp. 137–176). Springer Nature (Netherlands). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23847-0_5

To get your original copy of this  paper, please Order Now

Related Questions

Mr Arthur Barrett Case Study; Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Interventions

Jason and Monica each need to put 1 gallon of water into a pot

Comparison of Sampling Techniques between Qualitative and Quantitative Nursing Research Approaches