Perform a search through the library and locate articles from peer-reviewed journals that discuss a health disparity found in the Asian American or Native American communities. Discuss your findings and the impact APNs can make to eliminate these disparities.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Health Disparities in Asian American and Native American Communities: The Role of Advanced Practice Nurses
Introduction
Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantages. Among various ethnic groups, Asian Americans and Native Americans face unique health disparities that warrant attention. This essay will explore peer-reviewed articles that discuss these disparities and highlight the significant role that Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can play in addressing and eliminating these inequalities.
Health Disparities in Asian American Communities
Findings from Recent Literature
Recent studies highlight several health disparities affecting Asian American populations, particularly in mental health, diabetes prevalence, and access to healthcare services. A study published in Health Affairs (2021) found that Asian Americans experience relatively high rates of depression and anxiety but are less likely to seek mental health care compared to other racial groups. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health contributes to this disparity, leading to untreated conditions that can significantly impact overall well-being.
Additionally, a study in the American Journal of Public Health (2020) reported that Asian Americans have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than previously recognized, particularly among Southeast Asian subgroups. Despite this, these individuals often lack access to culturally competent care and resources to manage their condition effectively.
Impact of APNs
APNs can take several steps to address these disparities:
1. Culturally Competent Care: APNs can provide culturally sensitive education and resources tailored to the specific needs of Asian American communities, particularly regarding mental health stigma.
2. Community Outreach: Engaging in community outreach programs can help bridge the gap between healthcare services and underserved populations, ensuring better access to necessary care.
3. Advocacy: APNs can advocate for policies that improve access to mental health resources and diabetes management programs specifically designed for Asian American populations.
Health Disparities in Native American Communities
Findings from Recent Literature
Native American communities experience significant health disparities, particularly concerning chronic diseases and mental health issues. A study in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (2022) reported significantly higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and substance abuse among Native Americans compared to the general population. Furthermore, there is a profound lack of access to healthcare services on reservations, exacerbating these health issues.
Another study published in BMC Public Health (2021) identified high rates of suicide among Native American youth, linking it to historical trauma and ongoing socio-economic challenges. This underlines the need for targeted mental health interventions.
Impact of APNs
APNs can play a crucial role in addressing health disparities in Native American communities through:
1. Integrated Care Models: Implementing integrated care models that address both physical and mental health needs can help improve overall health outcomes in these communities.
2. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Providing training for healthcare providers on the cultural values and challenges faced by Native Americans can enhance patient-provider relationships and increase trust in healthcare systems.
3. Policy Development: APNs can work with tribal leaders to advocate for healthcare policies that prioritize access to quality care and address systemic barriers faced by Native Americans.
Conclusion
Health disparities in both Asian American and Native American communities present significant challenges that demand immediate attention. The findings from recent literature underscore the urgent need for culturally competent care models, enhanced access to resources, and advocacy efforts led by Advanced Practice Nurses. By actively engaging with these communities and addressing their unique needs, APNs have the potential to make a meaningful impact in eliminating health disparities and improving overall health outcomes. Continued education, outreach, and policy advocacy will be essential components of this endeavor.
