In a written paper of 1,200-1,500 words, apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease.
Communicable Disease Selection
Choose one communicable disease from the following list:
Chickenpox
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Mononucleosis
Hepatitis B
HIV
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Include the following in your assignment:
Description of the communicable disease (causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment) and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence).
Describe the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.
Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. (The textbook describes each element of the epidemiologic triangle).
Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, and follow-up).
Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organization(s) contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
A minimum of three references is required.
Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain” and “Chain of Infection” for assistance completing this assignment.
NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Communicable diseases have an impact on individuals, communities, and nations. Epidemiology and nursing research have a significant role to play in understanding and controlling these diseases. This paper will apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to one communicable disease chosen from the list provided. The chosen disease is tuberculosis.
Description of Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mode of transmission of TB is through air droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The symptoms of TB include coughing up blood or sputum, unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, and chest pain. TB can occur in any part of the body but commonly affects the lungs. TB can be fatal if it is not treated in time. The demographic of interest for TB includes individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, or cancer. TB has high morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries.
Determinants of Health and Development of TB:
The determinants of health that contribute to the development of TB are poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and poor living conditions. These factors make individuals susceptible to the disease. The risk of contracting TB is higher in places with poor ventilation, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to health care services. Social and environmental factors, such as homelessness and drug use, also contribute significantly to the development of TB.
Epidemiologic Triangle:
The epidemiologic triangle is a framework used to study the relationship between the host, agent, and environment in the development of a disease. In the case of TB, the host factors include individuals with weakened immune systems, as they are more susceptible to the bacterium that causes TB. The agent factor is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which needs a suitable environment to thrive. The environmental factors that contribute to the spread of TB include poor living conditions, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation.
Role of Community Health Nurse:
The community health nurse plays a critical role in TB control. They are responsible for case finding, reporting, data collection, analysis, and follow-up. The nurse connects individuals with TB to health care services, provides education on preventive measures, and monitors adherence to treatment.
National Agency Addressing TB:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is one national agency that addresses TB. The WHO has developed the Global Tuberculosis Report, which provides information on the global TB epidemic, including detection rates, treatment success rates, and mortality rates. The WHO also provides guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB. They advocate for increased funding and resources to combat TB globally.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, TB is a communicable disease that has significant impacts on individuals, communities, and nations. Epidemiology and nursing research have a critical role to play in understanding and controlling TB. The epidemiologic triangle helps to explain the relationship between the host, agent, and environment in the development of TB. The role of the community health nurse is vital in TB control, and national agencies like the WHO provide critical support in the fight against TB.
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