Community activism has emanated as a primary avenue used to inspire changes in society. In particular, it means which individuals, groups, or organisations champion for radical changes in the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental domains ( Malloch & Porter-O'Grady, 2010). In most cases, community activists are members of the society that hold a significant role or position in either of the aforementioned domains. Nurses can also participate in community activism, especially on areas related to health care. According to Malloch and Porter-O'Grady (2010), nurses have been involved in inspiring changes in the medical sector to ensure patient-care is affordable to every member of the community. Therefore, a nurse has a significant role in containing and curbing the health impact stemming from the operation of tobacco companies.
Undoubtedly, tobacco causes an adverse impact on the health of individuals and the community despite making a considerable economic contribution in the form of taxes. However, the cost used in the treatment of tobacco-related illnesses has exceeded the benefits. With this in mind, nurses can use various community activism approaches to reduce this negative impact. To begin with, they can educate the public on the danger of using such substances ( Mary & Rose, 2012). This strategy targeted to change the behaviour and the perception of the consumer concerning tobacco.
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Moreover, nurses can force more drastic economic changes by advocating for increase in consumer tax placed on tobacco and tobacco products. This move will undeniably reduce the consumption of tobacco since it will be costly to acquire a cigarette or any other tobacco product. More so, the approach will result in a drop in the revenues earned by entities operating in the sector. Therefore, the approaches will reduce the negative impact of tobacco in the society through drastic deterrent measures.
Overall, nurses are members of the society who can inspire changes in the community. In particular, they can rally behind and champion for policies that reduce the consumption of tobacco in the community. Furthermore, they can educate the community as an interventive measure, which changes the perception and further reducing tobacco consumption.
References
Heble, A. (2017). Introduction: Classroom Action – Human Rights, Critical Activism, and Community - Based Education. Classroom Action , 3-38.
Malloch, K., & Porter-O'Grady, T. (2010). Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care . Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Mary, A., & Rose, I. (2012). Patient Advocacy in the Community and Legislative Arena. Journal of American nurse association . Retrieved from http://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-17-2012/No1-Jan-2012/Advocacy-in-Community-and-Legislative-Arena.html?css=print
