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Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. SDOH can be grouped into 5 domains: Social determinants of health (SDOH) have a major impact on people’s health,
well-being, and quality of life. Examples of SDOH include: SDOH also contribute to wide health disparities and inequities. For example, people who don't have access to grocery stores with healthy foods are less likely to have good nutrition. That raises their risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity — and even lowers life expectancy relative to people who do have access to healthy foods. Just promoting healthy choices won't eliminate these and other health
disparities. Instead, public health organizations and their partners in sectors like education, transportation, and housing need to take action to improve the conditions in people's environments. That's why Healthy People 2030 has an increased and overarching focus on SDOH. One of Healthy People 2030’s 5 overarching goals is specifically related to SDOH: “Create social, physical, and economic environments that promote attaining the full potential for health and
well-being for all.” In line with this goal, Healthy People 2030 features many objectives related to SDOH. These objectives highlight the importance of "upstream" factors — usually unrelated to health care delivery — in improving health and reducing health disparities. More than a dozen workgroups made up of subject matter experts with different backgrounds and areas of expertise developed these objectives. One of these groups, the
Social Determinants of Health Workgroup, focuses solely on SDOH. Social determinants of health affect nearly everyone in one way or another. Our literature summaries provide a snapshot of the latest research related to specific SDOH. Read SDOH literature summaries Learn About Other Efforts to Address SDOHAcross the United States, people and organizations at the local, state, territorial, tribal, and national level are working hard to improve health and reduce health disparities by addressing SDOH. Check out what our partners are doing Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting pressure on the brain’s tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine. Normally, cerebrospinal fluid flows
through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal cord before being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The body typically produces enough CSF each day and absorbs the same amount. However, when the normal flow or absorption of CSF is blocked it can result in a buildup of CSF. The pressure from too much CSF can keep the brain from functioning properly and cause brain damage and even death. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can restore normal levels of CSF.
Though treatment is often helpful, it may take multiple surgeries to treat hydrocephalus. (Hydrocephalus is the most common reason for brain surgery in young children.) With treatment many people lead normal and productive lives. top Hydrocephalus can affect anyone at any age but is most common in infants and older
adults. Some of these cases can be associated with abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This form is called communicating because the CSF can still flow between the ventricles, the passages between which remain open.
Reduced flow and absorption of CSF into specialized blood vessels called arachnoid villi can also result in a buildup of CSF in the ventricles and communicating hydrocephalus. Two additional types of hydrocephalus include:
top Who gets this disorder?The number of people who develop hydrocephalus or who are currently living with it is difficult to establish since the condition occurs in children and adults, and can develop later in life. A 2008 data review by the University of Utah found that, in 2003, hydrocephalus accounted for 0.6 percent of all pediatric hospital admissions in the United States. Some estimates report one to two of every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus. top What causes hydrocephalus?Hydrocephalus may be present at birth (congenital) or may develop over time as a result of injury or disease (acquired). Except for hydrocephalus secondary to physical obstruction of CSF passages within the brain or skull by blood or tumor, the exact causes of hydrocephalus are still not well understood. Congenital hydrocephalus
Acquired hydrocephalus
top What are the symptoms?The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary significantly from person to person and mostly depend on age. Conditions other than hydrocephalus can cause similar symptoms so it is important to see a doctor to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Older children, young adults, and middle-aged adults
Older adults
top How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?Hydrocephalus is diagnosed through a clinical neurological exam and by using brain imaging techniques and other tests based on
Neurological exam
Brain imaging and other tests
top What is the current treatment?Surgical treatments
Shunt systems generally function well but they can fail to properly drain the CSF due to mechanical failure or infection. When this happens the CSF once again begins to build up in the brain and earlier symptoms may recur. To reduce the
buildup of CSF, the clogged shunt system is replaced to restore drainage of CSF.
Other treatments
Adults may also require similar support, including social workers, occupational therapists, and specialists in dementia care. top What is the prognosis?If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal. Early diagnosis and successful treatment improve the chance for a good recovery. With the benefits of surgery, rehabilitative therapies, and educational interventions, many people with hydrocephalus live relatively normal lives. The symptoms of NPH usually get worse over time if the condition is not treated, although some people may experience temporary improvements. While the success of treatment with shunts varies from person to person, some people recover almost completely after treatment and have a good quality of life. top What research is being done?The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. NINDS is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the leading supporter of biomedical research in the world. NINDS conducts research and clinical studies to find better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure disorders such as hydrocephalus. The NINDS helps support the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN), a collaboration of pediatric neurosurgery centers working together to improve the lives of children with hydrocephalus. The HCRN centers pool their hydrocephalus patient populations to more rapidly study the potential for improved treatments. The HCRN conducts multiple, simultaneous studies at its centers and maintains a substantial registry of patients and procedures. Cellular mechanisms For example, NINDS-funded researchers are trying to find gene mutations associated with congenital hydrocephalus. NINDS also supports research exploring how hydrocephalus affects brain nerve networks and brain function. The early stages of brain development play an important but understudied role in the development of hydrocephalus. NINDS-funded researchers are investigating how signals in the amniotic fluid and early CSF instruct neural stem cell behavior during the pivotal early stages of brain development. This research will help scientists better understand and diagnose disorders like congenital hydrocephalus. Other NINDS-funded researchers are examining the cellular mechanisms involved in hydrocephalus in order to help identify hydrocephalus risk factors. The results will potentially improve diagnosis, genetic risk assessment, and treatment. Diagnosis and
treatment Shunts are the standard treatment of hydrocephalus, but shunts can malfunction, and repeated surgery may be needed. The rate of malfunction of shunts in children is estimated to be 40 percent in the first year after placement, and 10 percent per year after that. Current methods for diagnosing shunt malfunctions are often invasive and expensive. To help solve this problem, NINDS-funded researchers are working to develop a safe, cost-effective method for diagnosing shunt malfunctions using ultrasound. Not only do shunts malfunction, they also carry a high risk of infection. NINDS-funded scientists are attempting to identify and describe all the microorganisms present in CSF when shunts are placed, revised, and infected in order to improve prevention and treatment of CSF shunt infection. More information about hydrocephalus research supported by the NINDS and other NIH Institutes and Centers can be found using NIH RePORTER (projectreporter.nih.gov), a searchable database of current and past research projects supported by NIH and other federal agencies. RePORTER also includes links to publications and resources from these projects. top Where can I get more information?For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at: BRAIN Information also is avaliable from the following organizations: Hydrocephalus Association National Hydrocephalus Foundation Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation "Hydrocephalus Fact Sheet", NINDS, Publication date April 2020. NIH Publication No. 20-NS-385 Back to Hydrocephalus Information Page See a list of all NINDS disorders Publicaciones en Español Hidrocefalia Prepared by: NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. What is the most effective way to promote community health education quizlet?What is the most effective way to promote community health education? Focus on social justice.
What must the nurse do before implementing a comprehensive and entertaining educational program?4. What must the nurse do before implementing a comprehensive and entertaining educational program? Develop an open and trusting relationship with participants. At the core of health education is the development of trusting relationships based on nurturing interactions.
Which must be created before establishing the evaluation plan for a health project?What must be created before establishing the evaluation plan to determine the success (or lack of) for a health project? Goals are generally what is desired, while observable and measurable objectives are used to determine whether or not the goal was achieved and whether the project was successful.
Which of the following best describes the first efforts at improving community health?What were the first efforts at improving community health? The first community-wide efforts toward improving health were environmental planning for water and sewer systems.
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