Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations NameInstitutionInstructorCourseDate Vulnerable PopulationsVulnerable populations are populations that face certain health-related problems due to their exposure to health risks, physical location, cultural practices, socio-economic status, or a limited access to healthcare resources (Grand Canyon University, 2018). These populations may include some of the minority groups, patients who are victims of racism or ethnic-based discrimination, children, elderly, socioeconomically disadvantaged, individuals with certain medical conditions, and immigrants (Grand Canyon University, 2018). One of the vulnerable populations includes the indigenous people in Canada who are considered vulnerable due to their cultural practices and environmental conditions. The total population of the indigenous people living in Canada is about one million seven hundred thousand people (Dickason & Newbigging, 2019).Some of the cultural and environmental health concerns affecting the indigenous peoples in Canada include traditionally contaminated foods, unsafe water supply, and effects relating to climate change (Dickason & Newbigging, 2019). This population is also facing a number of challenges ranging from poor health, lower levels of education, inadequate housing and crowded conditions, lower income levels, higher rates of unemployment, and higher death rate among the young due to unintentional injury (Dickason & Newbigging, 2019). This population is unable to advocate for itself because of various barriers. Some of these barriers include powerlessness where the population has no voice in the society. This is also attributed to the lack of adequate resources required in the advocate process with this population having no support from the larger community (Mkandawire-Valhmu, 2018). Most of the individuals in this group have a low income that has also affected their education level. Education plays a role in educating individuals about the benefits of healthcare insurance coverage and preventive healthcare care influencing individuals to seek these services (Mkandawire-Valhmu, 2018). Without adequate education, individuals from this group are unaware of these benefits and prevention of certain health issues. Another barrier is limited access to financial resources that are important in accessing healthcare insurance coverage that enhances access to healthcare services (Mkandawire-Valhmu, 2018). This is attributed to the high rate of unemployment within this population and low-income levels. Due to the high cost of healthcare services, this prevents this population in accessing preventive and primary healthcare services leading to poor health outcomes within this population (Mkandawire-Valhmu, 2018). Ethical issues that must be considered when working with this group include the ethical principles of justice, benevolence, nonmalfeaance, and autonomy. Working within an ethical framework will enhance the safety of individuals in this group and their access to healthcare services improving their health status (Moodie, 2016). Nursing advocacy would be beneficial in helping this population to access important resources from the government with the aim of improving their environment to ensure a safe living surrounding that enhances health outcomes. Nurses can also work collaboratively with leaders from this population to educate them on the importance of healthcare insurance coverage in improving their health (Moodie, 2016).ReferencesTop of FormDickason, O. P., & Newbigging, W. (2019). Indigenous peoples within Canada: A concise history. Don Mills, Ontario, Canada.Grand Canyon University. (2018).Community and Public Health: The Future of Health Care. Grand Canyon University.Mkandawire-Valhmu, L. (2018). Cultural safety, healthcare, and vulnerable populations: A critical theoretical perspective. Abingdon, Oxon; New York. Moodie, R. (2016). Learning About Self: Leadership Skills for Public Health. Journal of public health research, 5(1), 679. Top of FormTop of FormTop of FormTop of FormBottom of FormBottom of FormBottom of Form Bottom of FormBottom of Form