Migrants’ Health Problem and the Kingdon Model Framework

Migrants and other transient and underserved groups confront similar health problems as other disadvantaged groups, like the poor and new immigrants (MCN, 2014). Their health conditions proceed from food shortage or improper nutrition, infection, poor hygiene and an overall lack of resources. Their low income and dissimilarity with the culture are made worse by their migratory status and the health risks and other risks that accompany their unstable situation. They and their dependents are subjected to frequent and serious health risks more than the general American population. Their situation has not been adequately addressed because of the lack of sufficient adequate studies. Existing knowledge has mostly been gathered and formed from self-reporting efforts and recall of the migrants on their illnesses. Most of these self-reported recollections centered on social barriers, which stand on the way of the delivery of health care to them (MCN).

High-Risk Overall Health Conditions

Whatever is known or recorded on their conditions is not quantitatively evaluated (MCN, 2014). What is known is that these conditions are allowed to deteriorate into serious levels and stages. They verbally report an enormous number of minor ailments, many of which are symptoms of still other and untreated, more serious illnesses. Major health problems include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and tuberculosis. Dental and prenatal diseased conditions and depression are also a serious concern. Due to the lack of adequate information and the presence of social barriers, not all the stakeholders are aware of the total picture. But the migrants are certainly aware of their situation. Some of them who manage to submit themselves to check-ups and treatments exhibit cultural reactions to therapy. Healthcare practitioners must choose who are most likely to cooperate with conventional therapy (MCN).

The Kingdon Model Framework — Realities and Application

John W. Kingdon explains how agenda setting and politics are behind the legislative process, specially of healthcare (Unti, 2015). He offers a framework through which policies, such as healthcare policies, may be viewed within a situation of conflicting values and the social environment in which these are part, as in the health problems of migrants (Kubiak et al., 2005). It consists of three separate streams, namely, problems, policies, and politics. The first is the identified problem, which in turn, depends on the existing authoritative and updated data, which will motivate policy makers to do something about a given problem situation. This is how a condition translates into a problem, such as migrants’ health issues. The second stream is policy. Policy solutions are existing options within the power of policy communities. They include administrators, activities, bureaucrats, educators, researchers, and congressional personnel for policy action. The awareness of a problem leads it to be discussed, reported, tackled in conferences and then processed by more formal mechanisms. A solution can evolve if it is technically feasible and not inconsistent with the values and preferences of the policy makers. And the third stream is politics. This, in turn, is subcategorized into national mood, campaigns by pressure groups, and the ideology of policy makers. When a critical mass of the population things alike and is mobilized, it can influence the trend of policy makers. When this happens, policy options are created and may benefit many groups. These options are likely to remain in the policy makers’ agenda. And lastly, their ideology is fundamental. When their priorities change or when there is a turnover, their agenda may be stalled or changed. Kingdon recommends coupling these three streams in creating opportunities for a favored solution, such as migrants’ health problem. These policy makers can convince other decision makers to support and make it move. Without that support, the opportunity can be lost (Kubiak et al.).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kubiak, S.M. et al. (2005). It’s not a gap, it’s a gulf. Vol. 1 # 2, Best Practices in Mental Health:

Lyceum Books, Inc.

Unti, R.A.G. (2015). Public health advocacy. Oxford Bibliographies. Retrieved on July 31,

2015 from http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199756797/obo-9780199756797-0028.xml

MCN (2014). Migrant health issues. Migrant Clinician Network. Retrieved on July 31, 2015

http://www.migrantclinician.org/issues/migrant-info/health-problems.html#