Discussion—Identifying the Approach
A lot of thought goes into the grant application process before the actual decision is made to pursue the submission of a grant. In this assignment, you will demonstrate your approach to the grant application process. Consider the approach you will utilize and address the following: ISSUE ATTACHED
Analyze the grant application process.
Evaluate each step in the process and explain how you would define each step for your chosen health issue.
Preparation: Identify how you intend to prepare the necessary elements of your grant application.
Analyzed the grant application process.
Evaluated each step in the process and explained how each step will be defined for the chosen health issue.
Included all the sections—introduction, plan, preparation, partners, conclusion, and references.
Responses demonstrated in-depth research and analysis.
Running head: GRANT PROPOSAL
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A Grant Proposal to the Federal Government on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive health
GRANT PROPOSAL
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A Grant Proposal to the Federal Government on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive health
Introduction
There are approximately 1 billion individuals between 10 and 19 years living the world
today. Nearly 70 per cent of them are living in developing countries under different conditions
from the previous generations. They have greater access to formal education, technology and
social media, which exposes them to more exposure to new ideas at a young age. A combination
of these factors results in engagement in sexual activity at a young age, causing early marriages
or even unplanned pregnancies. The dangers of engaging in early sexual activities could also
have health concerns in the era of HIV/AIDS. The government should be at the forefront of
promoting health education to reduce the impacts of sexual activity among adolescents.
Background
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health involves the development of initiative that
educate individuals on the benefits of abstinence as a method of birth control. Nevertheless,
those who cannot abstain should be taught the various family planning techniques available so
that they can prevent unplanned pregnancies. Vázquez-Nava et al. (2014), estimate that
unplanned pregnancy constitutes between 33 and 82% of the adolescent pregnancies across the
world. The impacts of unplanned pregnancy vary depending on the family support of the
individual with a majority of the students dropping out of school to take care of their newborns.
This is common for students from low-income families and they are more likely to transfer
poverty to future generations. A significant portion of the adolescents who get pregnant end up
getting married. According to the Science Daily (2017), some of the adverse effects of early
marriages include pregnancy-related complications associated with the young body. Adolescents
engaging in early marriages may also be susceptible to malnutrition, poor mental health and
GRANT PROPOSAL
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domestic violence. They may also have limited access to contraception and therefore having
many children which increases poverty levels. Even worse is the fact that the trend may follow
for their daughters, who may also marry young resultantly expanding the level of poverty along
the family line.
Adolescents who find themselves pregnant may end up aborting their unborn children.
While most states in the United States have legalized abortion, many developing nations
continue to term abortion as illegal. This often sees pregnant teens resulting in unsafe
mechanisms to abort their unborn children. A study conducted by Ushie, Izugbara, Mutua and
Kabiru (2018), reveals that the complications associated with unsafe abortions are some of the
leading causes of mortality in mothers in sub-Saharan Africa. The research utilized a sample of
1145 adolescents with a diagnosis of incomplete, missed, inevitable, complete or septic abortion
for the past one month. The results revealed that eight per cent of the participants had a previous
induced abortion. 46% of the participants sought abortion at an advanced age, and this
contributed to a high rate of post-abortion complications. The Centers for Disease Prevention and
Control (2018), acknowledges that youths between the ages of 15 and 24 years are at a high risk
of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and HPV for females. Despite these
high rates of STDs among the youths, it remains difficult for them to receive STD prevention
services due to long waiting lines, inadequate funds for the services, method of specimen
collection, embarrassment associated with seeking treatment for STDs and the conflict between
the clinic and school hours.
Strategic activities
The factors discussed above reveal that there is an urgent need to develop strategies
directed towards the promotion of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. The government
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should offer resources geared towards the promotion of sexual education in schools to ensure
that adolescents understand the risks associated with early sexual activity so that they can change
their behavior to avert these risks (World Health Organization, 2009). Health and reproductive
education should also focus on the various contraceptives available so that girls can protect
themselves from unplanned pregnancies. The government could even distribute free condoms to
students so that they can adopt responsible sexual behavior. The government should also
collaborate with the health sector for the development of friendly health services for adolescents.
These could include interventions to reach the marginalized, responses to generate community
acceptance, and facility and out of facility-based interventions (Denno, Hoopes and ChandraMouli, 2015). Positive Youth Development programs are also necessary for increasing the
awareness of the youths of the dangers associated with irresponsible sexual activity. Gavin,
Catalano and Markham (2010), acknowledge that the introduction of such strategies in schools
will help students to apply the knowledge acquired in sex education programmes. Positive Youth
Development programs also encourage youths to have a positive approach towards the
developmental challenges other than engaging in irresponsible sexual activity.
Conclusion
Advancements in technology have enabled youths to access new ideas and eventually
engaging in early sexual activity. The implication is that there is an increase in adolescent
pregnancy, and this affects their academic performance. Most of the students from low-income
families are forced to drop out of school for the lack of family or financial support. Others result
in early marriages that subject them to a myriad of problems including mental disorders, violence
and a lack of access to contraceptives. Some of the youths may seek unsafe abortion practices
that may result in death or complications during subsequent pregnancies. The government should
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intervene in the development of public education programs geared towards addressing the
problem of irresponsible sexual activity among youths. Collaboration with the health sector is
also necessary in the development of safe mechanisms for accessing reproductive healthcare
among adolescents.
GRANT PROPOSAL
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References
Centers for Disease and Prevention Control. (2018). STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/adolescents.htm
Denno, D. M., Hoopes, A. J., & Chandra-Mouli, V. (2015). Effective strategies to provide
adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and to increase demand and
community support. Journal of adolescent health, 56(1), S22-S41.
Gavin, L. E., Catalano, R. F., & Markham, C. M. (2010). Positive youth development as a
strategy to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Journal of Adolescent
Health, 46(3), S1-S6.
Science Daily. (2017, December 11). Multiple health implications of women’s early marriage go
beyond early childbearing. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171211140834.htm
Ushie, B. A., Izugbara, C. O., Mutua, M. M., & Kabiru, C. W. (2018). Timing of abortion among
adolescent and young women presenting for post-abortion care in Kenya: a crosssectional analysis of nationally-representative data. BMC women’s health, 18(1), 41.
Vázquez-Nava, F., Vázquez-Rodriguez, C. F., Saldívar-González, A. H., Vázquez-Rodríguez, E.
M., Córdova-Fernández, J. A., Felizardo-Ávalos, J., & Sánchez-Márquez, W. (2014).
Unplanned pregnancy in adolescents: Association with family structure, employed
mother, and female friends with health-risk habits and behaviors. Journal of Urban
Health, 91(1), 176-185.
GRANT PROPOSAL
World Health Organization. (2009). Promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health
through schools in low income countries: an information brief (No.
WHO/FCH/CAH/ADH/09.03). World Health Organization.
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Running head: HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
Health Grant Outline: A Grant Proposal to the Federal Government on Adolescent Sexual and
Reproductive health
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HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
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Executive Summary
➢ Problem-The impact of unplanned pregnancies among teenagers varies, with the majority
of girls dropping out of school to take care of their newborns, getting married at an early
age, practicing unsafe abortions, and being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such
as HPV and chlamydia (Science Daily, 2017).
➢ Solution- Resources should be directed towards the advancement of sexual education in
schools to make sure that teenagers understand the dangers associated with early
intercourse so that they can modify their behavior to avoid these risks. The government
should collaborate with positive youth development programs to increase awareness of
the dangers of unplanned pregnancies as well as advocate for the use of contraceptives.
➢ Funding Requirements- Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN) requests
$635,472 for eight months-sexual health education program for teenagers in southwestern
Minnesota. Sexual health education will be offered in schools. It will include promoting
the need to abstain, increasing awareness of the dangers associated with irresponsible
sexual activities, and advocating for the use of contraceptives.
➢ Organization and its expertise- Positive Youth Development Network is a not for profit
organization based in Minnesota that empowers youth as well as addresses youth
concerns in areas of reproductive health services and education.
Statement of Need
➢ A study by Vázquez-Nava et al. (2013) indicated that unintended pregnancy makes 33%
to 82% of adolescent pregnancies globally.
➢ The impact of unplanned pregnancies among adolescents includes girls dropping out of
school to take care of their newborns, getting married at an early age, practicing unsafe
HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
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abortions, and being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV and
chlamydia.
➢ In nations that abortion is not legalized, teenagers are at risk of practicing unsafe
abortions that are increasing mortality. Other complications associated with unsafe
abortions include long-term damage and injury to internal organs, infections, bleeding,
and incomplete abortions.
➢ Unplanned participation in sexual activities among teenagers exposes them to sexually
transmitted diseases such as chlamydia.
➢ However, increasing sexual health awareness and providing contraceptives among
teenagers is likely to reduce the impact of early and unintended pregnancies among
teenagers.
➢ A study by Oringanje et al. (2016) demonstrated that interventions comprising a
combination of sexual health education and contraception reduced unplanned pregnancies
among teenagers significantly. The study also showed that behavioral outcomes had gaps
across trials.
➢ Fox and Barfield (2016) also revealed that since the Affordable Care Act has increased
teenage access to contraceptive methods to reduce unintended pregnancies, public health
workers and healthcare professionals need to educate women about the availability and
use of these methods.
Project Descriptions
➢ Objectives- Fox and Barfield (2016) indicate that women of all ages are likely to use
contraceptive methods when these methods are accompanied by patient education and
counselling.
HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
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➢ A committee report by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG)
(2017) revealed that pregnancies in adolescents have been reducing the past years
because adolescents are using contraceptives effectively. Data gathered from 201 to 2013
demonstrated that more teenagers used contraceptives at the time of their first intercourse
compared to females before 1985. As a result, the birth rate among adolescents in the
United States reached a historic low of 22.3 per 1,000 in 2015. Data collected from 20072015 showed that unintended pregnancies in females aged 15-17 years fell by 54% while
in women aged 18-19 years, unplanned pregnancies fell by 43% (Adolescent Pregnancy,
Contraception, and Sexual Activity – ACOG, 2017).
➢ Methods- The methods used to achieve the goals of the project include providing
increasing sexual health education as well as providing contraceptives. A study by the
World Health Organization (2011) on interventions to reducing unplanned pregnancies
among teenagers revealed that a combination of interventions (contraceptive and
education) reduced the impact of unintended pregnancies.
➢ Staffing/Administration- This project will involve 10 healthcare staff (two physicians, six
social workers, and two nurses). The role of physicians and nurses will include
supporting social workers in providing education about positive sexual health. While
social workers will focus on counselling and providing education to teenagers in schools,
physicians and nurses will recommend treatment to students who are already affected.
➢ Evaluation- The success of the project will be measured by a quantitative measure that
will reveal a statistical analysis of the project. The expected results include a drop in the
number of pregnancies among teenagers. The evaluation process will consist of
conducting studies among targeted populations and publishing the evidence involved.
HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
➢ Sustainability- After the success of the first project, the organization will solicit other
funds from the state government and other foundations that empower youth.
Budget
➢ Expenses will be divided into two sections: personal expenses and direct project
expenses.
➢ Personal expenses are costs for staff who will work on the project. Since the project will
take eight months, expenses of staff will include:
For 6 social workers working on the project for eight months: $3,400*8*6= $163,200
For two nurses working on the project for eight months: 4,100*2*8=$65,600
For the two doctors working on the project for eight months: $6,667*8*2=$106,672
➢ Direct project expenses are non-personal expenses that the team will incur, and they
include travel costs, supplies, insurance, equipment/rental costs, and meeting expenses.
The projected direct project costs are $300,000.
➢ Therefore, the total budget of the project is $635,472
Organizational Information
➢ This will include structure, program, expertise, history, project fit for mission, target
audience, special needs of audience, activities, staff, and board.
Conclusion
➢ A combination of interventions (education and contraceptives) will reduce unintended
teenage pregnancies.
A standard Proposal Letter
➢ Ask for funding request
➢ Outline the need
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HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
➢ Explain the methods used to achieve objectives
➢ Budget data
➢ Appendices
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HEALTH GRANT OUTLINE
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References
Adolescent Pregnancy, Contraception, and Sexual Activity – ACOG. (2017). Retrieved 14
December 2019, from https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-andPublications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-Health-Care/AdolescentPregnancy-Contraception-and-Sexual-Activity?IsMobileSet=false
Fox, J., & Barfield, W. (2016). Decreasing Unintended Pregnancy. JAMA, 316(8), 815. doi:
10.1001/jama.2016.8800
Interventions for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescents | RHL. (2011).
Retrieved 14 December 2019, from https://extranet.who.int/rhl/topics/adolescent-sexualand-reproductive-health/pregnancy-prevention/interventions-preventing-unintendedpregnancies-among-adolescents
Oringanje, C., Meremikwu, M., Eko, H., Esu, E., Meremikwu, A., & Ehiri, J. (2016).
Interventions for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescents. Cochrane
Database of Systematic Reviews. doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd005215.pub3
Science Daily. (2017, December 11). Multiple health implications of women’s early marriage go
beyond early childbearing. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171211140834.htm
Vázquez-Nava, F., Vázquez-Rodriguez, C., Saldívar-González, A., Vázquez-Rodríguez, E.,
Córdova-Fernández, J., Felizardo-Ávalos, J., & Sánchez-Márquez, W. (2013). Unplanned
Pregnancy in Adolescents: Association with Family Structure, Employed Mother, and
Female Friends with Health-Risk Habits and Behaviors. Journal of Urban Health, 91(1),
176-185. doi: 10.1007/s11524-013-9819-6