3.7: Summary
3.1 Factors Influencing the Health of Persons Assigned Female at Birth
The health of a person AFAB is influenced by a great number of factors. Access to health care plays a large part in the health of the individual, family, and community. Health-care education regarding STIs, contraception, mental health, and general overall health influence choices regarding health and safety.
SDOH also contribute greatly to the health of the individual and community.
Poverty, limited education, unemployment, and inadequate access to health care impact nutrition, housing conditions, environmental risks, and overall well-being. Nurses play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these social determinants. Nurses provide resources and education to help improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
3.2 Leading Causes of Death and Health Screenings
Understanding the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among persons AFAB is paramount for public health efforts. These insights allow policymakers, nurses, physicians, and communities to develop targeted strategies and interventions to address health disparities. By addressing these health concerns, implementing effective health-care strategies, and promoting proactive health screening, health-care providers can work toward reducing mortality rates and improving the overall well-being of persons on a global scale.
Nursing plays a critical role in preventive screening, as it involves identifying and addressing health risks and potential health problems before they become more serious. Preventive screening aims to detect diseases or conditions early, providing an opportunity for timely intervention and treatment, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced health-care costs.
3.3 Health Promotion
Health care of persons AFAB encompasses a range of components to promote and maintain health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Nurses are crucial in providing reproductive health services, including family planning and contraceptive counseling, preconception care, prenatal and postnatal care, and menopause management. Nurses provide education, assist with screenings and tests, and offer support and guidance during various reproductive stages.
Nurses are at the forefront of health promotion and education. They are trained to provide information on healthy self-care practices, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management advice. In addition, nurses also educate persons about the importance of regular checkups, vaccinations, and healthy behaviors to prevent chronic diseases. Nurses engage in health counseling to empower persons to take an active role in their health care. They guide healthy self-care choices and practices and disease prevention. Nurses collaborate with other health-care professionals to ensure holistic and coordinated care. Nurses play a key role in raising awareness about health issues, promoting evidence-based practices, and advocating for policies that support individuals’ health-care needs.
3.4 Well-Person Care
Nurses play a crucial role in reproductive wellness history and physical exams, as they are often the first health-care professionals to interact with patients during these assessments. Reproductive wellness history and physical exams are essential components of health and focus on evaluating and addressing reproductive health concerns. Nurses' involvement in reproductive wellness history and physicals is essential for providing comprehensive care, empowering patients with knowledge, and supporting their reproductive health needs throughout their lifespan.
Nursing is integral to trauma-informed care . Nurses have been trained to be compassionate and have a sensitive approach to providing health care for persons who may have experienced trauma in the past. They acknowledge the potential impact of trauma on a person's physical and emotional health and aim to create a safe and supportive environment for the patient during the health-care encounter.
3.5 Preconceptual Care
Preconception care is critical to having a healthy pregnancy. Risk factors or conditions that can increase pregnancy complications and impact the fetus's health are identified during the preconception visit. Common risk factors include advanced maternal age, chronic medical conditions, obesity, smoking, alcohol and substance use, inadequate nutrition, and infections. Important considerations include lack of immunizations, genetic factors, environmental exposures, and inadequate prenatal care. Addressing these risks through preconception counseling, self-care practices, and proper medical management can optimize maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Nurses are an integral part in providing education to persons considering conception.