Poverty in Puerto Rico
Poverty in Puerto Rico is a social problem that is most observed on the island due to unemployment, another of the social problems that exist on the island. According to the Government, poverty is when a person obtains a lower gain of 60% of the average income. But the international amnesty defines poverty as the ability of a citizen to have excellence services related to health and education. The economic condition of the Puerto Rican family has worsened due to the meteorological phenomenon called María that hit Puerto Rico in September 2017.
Puerto Rico has maintained the poverty level between 50 and 60 percent. In the seventies the poverty level rate on the island was 62.8%, while in the decade in the eighties and ninety it decreased to 59.8% and 57.3% respectively. In the 2000s, 48%was obtained, while in 2010 it fell to 46%. Poverty in Puerto Rico reaches 46% of the inhabitants, mostly being women, elders and families with several children. However, 40% of families receive federal aid because they are in poverty situations. This social problem is not new and has been seen for decades in our country and if it is not resolved, it can cause the increase in other problems such as social inequality, crime, drug trafficking, lack of education, among others. In addition, other consequences that can be observed in the Puerto Rican family are: malnutrition, little hygiene, diseases and conditions, lack of education and few health services.
As nursing staff we have a great responsibility in the fight against poverty. Nurses play a vital function in reducing poverty and its consequences on health and well -being. Establish social intervention plans, through the community for the definition of their problems and seeking solutions. Poor people have the capacity to act in solving their problems, for this it is necessary to insist on society training initiatives. Promote health towards families. As community professional nurses, we can analyze the impact of poverty and apply interventions where families participate. Also implement education on how to have an effective self-care in moments of poverty and the importance of it. To avoid diseases and other problems that put the life and health of the person and the population at risk. Go to populations with a higher risk of probation and help them avoid malnutrition, little hygiene and food and contaminated water diseases. As the person can receive treatments and that can adapt to populations.
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