NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies

NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name:

Date

Health Promotion Strategies: High School Graduation and Social Determinants of Health

Analysis of Graduation Rates

The Healthy People 2020 initiative highlights key indicators for national health, one of which is the high school graduation rate measured by the percentage of students graduating with a regular diploma within four years of starting 9th grade. According to baseline data from 2010, 79% of students met this criterion. The initiative set a goal to increase this rate to 87%. By the 2016-2017 school year, progress was evident as the rate improved to 85%. Although this fell short of the target, it demonstrates significant progress toward improving educational outcomes. However, concerns arise regarding data validity since it was collected from only three states—Idaho, Kentucky, and Oklahoma—rather than the entire nation. This limited scope raises questions about the generalizability of the findings.

Importance of High School Graduation

High school graduation profoundly impacts health and well-being. Research shows that individuals who fail to graduate face various negative health consequences, including restricted employment opportunities, lower income levels, and increased likelihood of poverty. These factors collectively contribute to reduced access to healthcare and lower participation in preventive care. For example, many jobs offering health insurance require a high school diploma. Without insurance, individuals are less likely to engage in preventative measures, which negatively affects long-term health outcomes. Addressing graduation rates, therefore, is essential for improving the nation’s overall health.

Challenges and Future Implications

While the reported improvements are promising, a comprehensive understanding of national trends requires more inclusive data collection. Expanding the analysis to all states will enhance the accuracy and applicability of findings. Furthermore, ongoing efforts should focus on addressing barriers to education, such as socioeconomic disparities, to achieve equitable health outcomes across all demographics.

High School Graduation Data Analysis

References

Healthy People 2020. (2020). High school graduation: Social determinants of health. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinantshealth/interventions-resources/high-school-graduation

NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies

Healthy People 2020. (2020). Students graduating from high school within 4 years of starting 9th grade (percent). Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/data/Chart/3949?category=1