Details:
Write a 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, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The following epidemiology paper requirements are designed to assess the student’s understanding of communicable diseases and their impact on the community. As a medical professor, it is important to provide guidance and direction to students on applying the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to real-world situations. This paper will focus on a chosen communicable disease and address its causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, demographic of interest, social determinants of health, epidemiologic triangle, community health nurse’s role, national agencies or organizations addressing the disease, and a global implication of the disease.
Answer:
Ebola is a severe communicable disease caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids of a person or animal. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, coughing, red eyes, rash, and internal and external bleeding. The mode of transmission is through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions, objects contaminated with infected bodily fluids, or body that is not safely buried.
Ebola is not a reportable disease in the United States, but it is reportable in other countries. In the United States, there is no reporting time, but if a case is confirmed, it should be reported to the local health department. The social determinants of health that contribute to the development of this disease include poverty, poor sanitation, lack of healthcare access, inadequate medical facilities, and insufficient health education. These factors put the population at higher risk of contracting and spreading the disease.
The epidemiological triangle consists of host factors, agent factors, and environmental factors. The host factors include age, gender, genetics, immunity, behavior, and occupation. The agent factors include the type of virus or pathogen that causes the disease, virulence, infectiousness, and resistance to treatment. The environmental factors include temperature, humidity, altitude, pollution, and overcrowding. Special considerations and notifications for the community, schools, or general population include practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people or animals, and reporting suspected cases to local authorities.
The community health nurse plays a vital role in Ebola’s prevention and control through case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up. Demographic data helps identify communities at higher risk, plan interventions, and allocate resources effectively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national agency that addresses Ebola. It has deployed teams to affected countries, developed diagnostic tests, treatments, vaccines, and provided guidance and support to healthcare providers.
The global implication of Ebola is significant, as it can spread across borders and continents. In other countries or cultures, the disease is addressed by strict isolation, quarantine measures, and more focus on prevention. Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia are examples of countries where Ebola is endemic due to inadequate health systems, political instability, and poverty.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, communicable diseases like Ebola pose a significant threat to the population’s health and well-being. Understanding the causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, demographic of interest, social determinants of health, epidemiologic triangle, community health nurse’s role, national agencies or organizations addressing the disease, and a global implication of the disease is essential to control and prevent its spread. As a medical professor, it is essential to provide students with comprehensive information and encourage them to apply their understanding of epidemiology and nursing research to real-world situations.
