Health Science Artifacts

Factors Influencing Malnutrition in Children

of Low-Income Families

This literature review was developed for a Determinants of Health Behavior course, focusing on how poverty affects children's access to nutritious foods and the resulting health implications. It explored the significant consequences of poor nutrition, including stunting, wasting, and long-term chronic diseases, especially among children from low-income backgrounds. The review highlighted the role of global health organizations like the WHO in setting dietary guidelines and examined the Social Ecological Model to analyze the factors influencing children's nutrition. The assignment helped strengthen my critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills as I synthesized diverse sources and analyzed the complex relationship between poverty and health outcomes. One challenge was accessing reliable data on global childhood nutrition, which I overcame by selecting credible studies from reputable organizations. This experience is crucial for my future career as a doctor, where I will apply evidence-based solutions to improve patient care, advocate for health equity, and address systemic health disparities, particularly in underserved communities.

Oral Communications Speech: Health Inequities are Not Inevitable

For my Honors Public Speaking course, I developed an informative speech on health inequities, aiming to educate my audience about how factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status contribute to health disparities. The speech explored the root causes of health inequities, provided examples, and highlighted their impacts on both disadvantaged communities and society at large. This project deepened my understanding of how social determinants shape health outcomes and reinforced my ability to communicate complex topics effectively. Through researching and organizing this speech, I strengthened my critical thinking and public speaking skills, overcoming the challenge of synthesizing diverse sources into a clear, concise message. As I pursue my career as a doctor, these skills will be invaluable in identifying and addressing health inequities in patient care. This experience has also prepared me to advocate for health equity, ensuring that I am equipped to provide compassionate care to underserved populations and work toward creating a more just healthcare system.