Write a APA paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC website for assistance when completing this assignment.
Communicable Disease Selection
Choose one communicable disease from the options below.
- Chickenpox
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza
- Mononucleosis
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
- Ebola
- Measles
- Polio
- Influenza
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Address the following:
- Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.
- Describe the social 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. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?
- Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.
- Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
- Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.
A minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references is required.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The selected communicable disease for this epidemiology paper is tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In this paper, we will describe the causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and demographic of interest of tuberculosis. We will also discuss the social determinants of health, the epidemiologic triangle and its relation to tuberculosis, the role of community health nurse, national agencies or organizations that address tuberculosis, and global implications of tuberculosis.
Answer:
1. Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and another person inhales the bacteria. The symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing for more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and chest pain. The complications of tuberculosis can include brain damage, joint damage, spinal pain, and meningitis. The treatment of tuberculosis includes a combination of antibiotics taken for six to eight months. The demographic of interest for tuberculosis is people living in poverty, people with compromised immune systems, and people living in close contact such as prisons or group homes. Tuberculosis is a reportable disease in all 50 states in the United States. It is required to be reported to the local or state health department within one working day of diagnosis.
2. Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.
Social determinants of health include the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Tuberculosis is more common in people living in poverty, as their living conditions may be crowded and lack proper ventilation. People who are homeless or have unstable housing are at higher risk because of their living conditions. Additionally, people with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV or people undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to tuberculosis. Therefore, social determinants of health play a significant role in the development of tuberculosis.
3. 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. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?
The epidemiologic triangle is made up of three components: the host, the agent, and the environment. In the case of tuberculosis, the host factors include people with weakened immune systems, malnutrition, and diabetes. The agent factors are the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its ability to survive in the environment. The environmental factors include overcrowding, poor ventilation, and living conditions. Special considerations include the use of respirators to prevent transmission of tuberculosis and notification of communities and schools where a tuberculosis outbreak has occurred.
4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.
The community health nurse plays a vital role in the prevention and control of tuberculosis. Their role includes case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up. Case finding involves identifying individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis and have developed the disease. Reporting involves notifying local or state health departments of new cases of tuberculosis. Data collection and analysis are vital to understanding the trends and patterns of tuberculosis among specific populations. Follow-up ensures that patients complete their treatment and that they are cured of tuberculosis. Demographic data are necessary to identify high-risk populations, target prevention efforts, and determine the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies.
5. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national agency that addresses tuberculosis. The CDC’s National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) establishes and implements guidelines for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. They also work with state and local health departments to provide technical assistance, training, and resources to healthcare providers. The CDC also conducts research on new treatments and vaccines for tuberculosis and disseminates this information to healthcare providers.
6. Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.
Tuberculosis is a significant health problem worldwide. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where poverty, malnutrition, and living conditions increase the likelihood of tuberculosis transmission. Treatment for tuberculosis is often inaccessible in these countries, resulting in higher mortality rates. Health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), are working to address tuberculosis in these countries by implementing prevention and control strategies, increasing treatment accessibility, and developing new treatments and vaccines. Tuberculosis is also endemic in certain areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where it is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases. For example, in India, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) was implemented to provide free diagnosis and treatment to tuberculosis patients and has resulted in decreased mortality rates.
