topic; Stroke Mortality reduction in African American women age 65 and older in South Carolina -Target Population: African American women 65 and older in South Carolina in the US -Health Objective: Decrease stroke related deaths in African American women aged 65 and older in the United States by 10 % within one year. Behavior Objective: Increase adherence to maintaining healthy diets (education in the Mediterranean plant based diet) in South Carolina women age 65 and older by 20% within 6 months of program implementation.

Final Paper Each student will be tasked with conceptualizing a health intervention using a specific public health problem in an at-risk target population, and utilizing one specific health behavior theory or model of their choice. This paper will engage your skills in assessing evidence, explaining behavioral and psychological factors affecting a particular target population, examining the ecological contexts (social, political, cultural, economic, etc.) surrounding health behaviors, and selecting communication and programmatic strategies for reaching different audiences and sectors. It is meant to loosely mimic a proposal response to a typical public health funding mechanism. The final paper is worth 25 points. Paper must be in Word format, double-spaced using a 12-point font with one-inch margins on all sides. Each paper will contain a cover page and a manuscript of no more than 12 pages, excluding title page, references, and appendices, if applicable. In-text citations and references should be formatted in accordance with either AMA or APA Style Guidelines; you may choose between AMA or APA style, but use your chosen style consistently throughout the paper (in-text citations) and in the reference section. The cover page must list the following: the title of the paper, name of the author, date of submission, course information (PUBH 6007.2U[X], professor), and a notation of your chosen reference style (i.e., Reference Style: [APA] or [AMA]). Your paper must include the following sections, each with the major headings as noted in bold/underline below and in the order specified. You can include subheadings as you see fit. Significance (Suggested 4 pages—9 points total) • Background (2 points) o This section should include a succinct yet clear description of the health issue, incorporating relevant epidemiologic data to identify the severity and susceptibility of the problem and establish the evidence for the behavioral risk factors to be addressed in the intervention. This question should answer the question “Why is this health issue important?” • Target Population Needs Assessment (3 points) o Describe the target population and discuss all important factors that influence the target population’s intention toward the behavioral and health objectives, including a thorough analysis of social influences, cultural values, and economic situations, considering the entire ecological model, essentially taking a systems thinking approach and considering the multiple levels of influence on individual behavior. This section should answer the questions “Why is this target population a priority for the health issue described above?”; “What are the roots of the social/behavioral issue, and how are cultural values considered in the problem and/or potential solutions?” and “What are the audiences’ needs, assets and capacities?” • Objectives (4 points) o Immediate (Theory-Based) Objectives (2 points)  Briefly state a minimum of two SMART short-term objectives and describe how they are related to the behavioral objective. Explicitly explain how these objectives could be quantitatively measured. o Intermediate (Behavioral) Objective (1 point)  Briefly state your one SMART behavioral objective and describe how it is related to the health objective. One objective is required, but with approval students may submit two if their program warrants. Explicitly explain how the behavioral objective could be quantitatively measured. o Long Term (Health) Objective (1 point)  Briefly state your one SMART health objective and why this objective is important to individuals in your target population. Explicitly explain how the health objective could be quantitatively measured. Theoretical Approach (Suggested 5 pages—9 points total) In this section, you should describe the theoretical model of behavior you chose fully. Introduce and define the theory for the reader, discuss its utility, its assumptions, and its uses in various health contexts, including your health issue. Discuss its role in informing the development of your intervention, specifically how it informs the activities within your intervention: • Describe the components of the assigned theory you used (as well as the components you did NOT use, if any) to develop your program and the rationale for incorporating (or not). The goal is to use your chosen theory as comprehensively as possible. (3 points) • Describe all the elements and activities of your health intervention program and discuss how your intervention incorporates into its design the elements of your chosen theory. What are the tailored programmatic activities and strategies you will utilize to engage your target audience effectively? (3 points) • Describe how this proposed program is innovative compared to other programs that have been previously implemented. Think about the following questions when developing this section (though not necessary to discuss each and every one). (3 points) “How is this program different/better than other programs in this health context or for your target population?” “What is it about your particular program and theoretical approach that will make it successful among your target population?” Discussion (Suggested 3 pages—4 points total) This section should include both Limitations and a Conclusions section. • For the limitations portion, consider strengths of your theory and justify your choice. Alternatively, consider whether another theory, or an additional theory, might have improved your intervention and discuss how it/they would have been used. At least one additional theory should be discussed here. (2 points) • Bring to light overall limitations of your intervention/program in addressing the health issue in this population. (1 point) • For the conclusion, end on a positive and persuasive note with the anticipated policy and/or program implications resulting from your program, despite its limitations. (1 point) [Other (3 points total)] Consistent formatting/proofreading (1 point), correct and consistent use of citations (1 point), and overall comprehensiveness and clarity of paper (1 point). Please see the final page of the syllabus for the final paper grading rubric. I am adding the grading rubric and paper outline and theory selection. Theory picked is the health behavior model. I have 10 journals on a reference list to use