According to Healthy People 2020, social determinants are “conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, worship and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality of life outcomes and risks” (HealthyPeople.gov website, 2013, para. 4). These social determinates of health can contribute to the development of illness in many ways. For instance, a person living in poverty, may not have shelter adequate to the environment in which they live. These individuals may not have the economic stability allowing them to have proper nutrition, routine medical exams and the ability to afford necessary medications. In addition they may also lack education, in regards to diseases, immunizations and preventative measures of disease. Improving the above conditions or social determinants will help create and allow for a healthier lifestyle and community.
The communicable disease chain explains the transmission of a disease. The chain consist of a reservoir (or host), the vehicle (means of transportation) and the susceptible person. The reservoir is the habitat in which the agent normal grows. The mode of transmission from the reservoir to the susceptible host may occur by either indirect or direct contact (CDC website, 2012).
As a community health nurse, there are several ways the links in the communicable disease chain can be broken. One way to break the chain is in primary prevention by providing immunizations through clinic facilities, prophylactic measures in those already exposed to help reduce risk of illness and health education. Another way, would be getting out into the community and educating individuals on methods of preventing and transmitting STD’s, such as having protected sex, only one sex partner. A community health nurse can also help decrease crowding in shelters, crowding becomes an issue because it allows for more potential