NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Plan Why is Tobacco Cessation Important for the California Community and its Health Promotion?

Tobacco cessation is a critical health concern for the population of California due to its significant impact on public health and well-being. Despite the state’s reputation for progressive health policies, tobacco use remains a prevalent issue, particularly among certain demographic groups. According to data from the California Department of Health, approximately 1.8 million (6.2%) adults in California reported being current smokers in 2021, representing a considerable proportion of the population at risk of tobacco-related health consequences (CDPH, 2022). Moreover, smoking rates vary significantly across demographic factors, with disparities evident in terms of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and geographic location.

Additionally, the costs incurred by community members due to smoking are $13.29 billion annually. Furthermore, the productivity loss as a result of smoking tobacco incurs $10.35 billion in one year (Truth Initiative, 2022). Tobacco use in California has resulted in 45.8% of deaths from 2014 to 2019 due to cancers caused by smoking and other tobacco products (Maguire et al., 2022). These statistics demand a pressing need for tobacco cessation efforts in California to promote the well-being of the community.

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 1 Health Promotion Plan

Furthermore, tobacco use exacerbates existing health disparities within California’s population. Vulnerable groups, including individuals with lower income levels, less education, and specific racial or ethnic backgrounds, are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related health consequences. A study reveals that smoking rates are higher among individuals with lower educational attainment and those living below the federal poverty level (Weinberger, 2022). Additionally, certain racial and ethnic minorities, such as American Indians/Alaska Natives and LGBTQ+ individuals, experience elevated rates of smoking and related health disparities (CDPH, 2022).

Disparities in access to tobacco cessation services persist in California, particularly among individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Barriers such as lack of insurance coverage, limited healthcare access, and insufficient awareness of available programs hinder their ability to quit smoking. Additionally, geographic disparities exacerbate the issue, with rural and underserved areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities and cessation resources (Hirko et al., 2023). Addressing these disparities is crucial for reducing tobacco prevalence and improving public health outcomes statewide.

Individual Demographics

Jenny Rosemary, a 45-year-old Hispanic woman, embodies the challenges faced by many individuals in her community i.e. Los Angeles, California. Married with two teenage children, she works tirelessly as a cashier in a local grocery store, earning minimum wage to support her family. Despite completing high school, financial constraints prevented her from pursuing further education opportunities. The factors like low income and limited access to education contributed to tobacco addiction in the form of smoking. Cultural norms within the Hispanic community, where smoking is often normalized, further perpetuated her tobacco use. Additionally, the stress of financial instability pushed Jenny towards smoking as a coping mechanism. Considering these demographic details, Jenny requires a health promotion plan to address her tobacco use and promote tobacco cessation to improve her health.

Establishing SMART Goals for the Target Individual

In collaborating with Jenny on discussing her serious health concern relevant to tobacco use, we established the following three goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound (SMART):

Goal #1: By the end of three months (Time-Bound), Jenny will decrease her daily cigarette consumption (Specific, Relevant) from a pack to half a pack (Measurable) with the help and support of tobacco cessation program (Attainable) (Lee et al., 2021).

Goal #2: Over the next three months (Time-Bound), Jenny will attend weekly (Measurable) local free of cost tobacco cessation support (Specific, Attainable) to enhance health literacy and willingness to quit smoking (Relevant) (Pettigrew et al., 2020).

Goal #3: Jenny will identify and practice two (Measurable) alternative coping strategies (Specific, Attainable) with the help of tobacco cessation program for stress management (Relevant) and integrate them into her daily life within the next two months (Time-Bound) (Kosendiak et al., 2021).

The evaluation process for these goals will involve tracking Jenny’s progress through regular check-ins and monitoring her adherence to the specific targets outlined in each goal. Additionally, periodic assessments will be conducted to measure change