Question

All countries have population subgroups that are more vulnerable to health threats than the general population. What are some reasons that vulnerable populations are more sensitive to risk factors than those who are more resilient?

Describe what is meant by vulnerable populations and explain strategies you, as the public health nurse, could use to best facilitate the achievement of healthful outcomes in this population?

Answer 1

A vulnerable population is a group of people that requires greater protection than normal against the potential risks of factors.

Vulnerable groups:-

• Pregnants and lactating mothers
• Elderly
• Children
• Immigrants
• Minorities
• People living in slums
• HIV and AIDS patients
• Economically poor
• Gypsies/sinti
• Refugees

some reasons that vulnerable populations are more sensitive to risk factors than those who are more resilient:-

• Malnutrition
• Not vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases
• Changes in the resistance power of elderly, HIV patients
• Sensitive to risk factors
• Immunologically compromised
• Increased demands for Health promotion
• Poor protecting strategies are followed in vulnerable groups

Strategies and best facilities to be used are:-

• Provide adequate nutrition and nutritional support. Make them to consume protective foods
• Vaccinate completely
• Educate about personal protecting equipment
• Focus on vulnerable group and special attention need to be given.
• Reduce the risk factors