Nursing Introduction to Public Health

Assignment Brief

BSc Nursing Introduction to Public Health

Summative Assignment Guidelines - September 2017 Cohort

Introduction (200 words approximately)

• What? The introduction must begin by clearly explaining what the essay is about. This section needs to explain in your own words what the essay sets out to do, as identified in the brief outlined above.
• How? This section of the introduction needs to outline how the essay will be structured. You will need to summarise the details given in points 2 and 3 below.
• Why? An introduction needs to articulate the significance of the topic to be discussed (this can include references to support).

Identify the public health issue related to your field of practice (300 words approximately) LO1

Identify a rationale for your chosen area with your field of nursing providing evidenced based literature to substantiate your choice. Examples could include sexual health, obesity, alcohol misuse, drug misuse etc.  Alternatively, you can choose a specific disease/condition such as CHD, HIV, and Dementia within your field, the focus must remain public health focused rather than on clinical features.

Discussion (1300 words)

• Exploration of the size of the health problem (300 words approximately) (LO1) Discuss and explore who is most affected and why? Identify any trends in the area inclusive of incidences, prevalence etc.   Examine the impact of the health issue on the population – consider mortality, morbidity and quality of life.
• Determinants of health (approximately 300 words) (LO1 & LO 2)  Examine how your chosen public health issues are influenced by key determinants of health.  Identify 2-3 key determinants related to your area, and explore the potential impact on your chosen area of focus.  
• Relevant health policies (approximately 300 words) (LO3)  Explore and discuss key policies introduced to tackle the chosen health issue?  Examine the impact of these policies, discussing the potential advantages/disadvantages of these policies related to your area.
• Role of the nurse (approximately 400 words) (LO4) Identify the role of the nurse in identifying the health needs of individuals/families or population within your identified public health issue? Explore key health promotion approaches (2-3 in detail) the nurse can utilise when working to address your chosen public health issue.  Examine some of the challenges/benefits in relation to chosen health promotion approaches, and how the nurse could overcome these.

Conclusion (approximately 200 words)

• Summary: Summarise the key learning points that have emerged from the essay inclusive of any overall analysis of learning related to the topic.
• Recommendations: Make recommendations on what needs to be done in light of your findings and conclusions.

References

Include a full reference list of literature used throughout your work. Please refer to the Harvard Cite Them Right Referencing guidelines.

Appendices

Appendices should include material that supports your work but that would be too long in the main essay text. Materials in the appendix must be relevant to the essay, and links and references between the appendix and essay need to be in the main text.

Sample Answer

Childhood Obesity: A Public Health Issue in Nursing Practice

Introduction

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern that significantly impacts both the immediate and long-term health of children and families. This essay aims to explore childhood obesity within the context of nursing practice, focusing on the factors that influence this issue and the inequalities it presents. It will critically discuss the wider determinants of health, analyse relevant public health policies, and evaluate the role of the nurse in assessing health needs and promoting wellbeing. Childhood obesity not only affects individual children but also reflects broader social, economic, and environmental factors that require attention from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities. Given the rising rates of obesity and its connection to long-term health complications, it is essential for nurses to understand and address this issue through effective assessment and health promotion strategies.

The essay will begin by identifying childhood obesity as the key public health issue and providing a rationale for its selection. This will be followed by a discussion of the scale of the problem, including statistical data on its prevalence and impact. Next, the essay will examine the determinants of health that influence childhood obesity and review key public health policies addressing the issue. Finally, the essay will explore the nurse`s role in identifying and meeting the health needs of children at risk of obesity, with a focus on health promotion approaches. The conclusion will summarise the key findings and provide recommendations for nursing practice.

Identification of the Public Health Issue

Childhood obesity is defined as a condition in which a child has an excessive amount of body fat that may impair health. It is typically measured using body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age and sex. According to the World Health Organization (2023), childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century, affecting over 340 million children and adolescents globally.

In the UK, data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP, 2023) shows that 23% of children aged 4–5 years and 37% of those aged 10–11 years are overweight or obese. The prevalence is higher in children from deprived areas, indicating a clear inequality in health outcomes. Childhood obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psychological issues such as low self-esteem and depression. Furthermore, obese children are more likely to become obese adults, continuing the cycle of poor health.

The rationale for choosing childhood obesity is grounded in its relevance to nursing practice, particularly in community, paediatric, and school nursing. Nurses are often on the frontline in identifying and supporting children and families affected by obesity. Through health promotion, early intervention, and education, nurses can play a critical role in preventing and managing this condition.

Exploration of the Size of the Health Problem

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world, including the UK. According to NHS Digital (2023), the prevalence of obesity among Year 6 children in England has increased from 19% in 2010 to 23% in 2023. Moreover, the disparity between children from affluent and deprived areas has widened, with children from the most deprived areas being twice as likely to be obese as those from the least deprived areas.

The consequences of childhood obesity are far-reaching. In terms of physical health, obese children are more likely to experience early onset type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, childhood obesity is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood due to chronic conditions. From a psychological perspective, obese children often face bullying, social exclusion, and mental health challenges, affecting their quality of life and educational attainment.

These statistics highlight that childhood obesity is not only a personal health issue but also a social and economic concern. It places a significant burden on healthcare systems and requires coordinated public health interventions.

Determinants of Health and Inequalities

Several key determinants of health contribute to childhood obesity, with socio-economic status, environment, and lifestyle behaviours being the most significant.

Socio-economic status plays a crucial role in childhood obesity. Children from low-income families are more likely to have limited access to healthy food, safe spaces for physical activity, and health education. According to Marmot (2020), health inequalities are largely driven by social determinants, and addressing these is essential to reducing obesity rates.

The built environment also affects children’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. Areas with limited access to parks, recreational facilities, and affordable fresh food outlets create barriers to physical activity and healthy eating. Fast food outlets are often concentrated in deprived areas, contributing to unhealthy dietary patterns.

Continued...