...Epidemiology Question 1 1. Case control studies are designed in such a way so as to explore whether exposure can be associated with a particular outcome, such as a disease or certain condition. In these studies, the definition groups are based on the outcome and exposure assessment for potential risk factors. The first step in case control studies is the identification of the case (for example a group of people known to have the certain condition), as well as the control group ( a group that does not have the outcome). The second step is to explore whether some of the subjects in each group were exposed, and how the frequency of the exposure is measured between the case and the control group. Case control studies are basically observational, because there is no intervention taking place, and is a retrospective determination of the exposure to a certain risk factor. Advantages of case control studies • Case control studies are relatively less time consuming, since the disease has occurred in the past, therefore there is no need to assess the disease or condition. • They are an efficient way to study rare cases and diseases or outbreaks of diseases, since they are fast; during an outbreak, the fast examination of certain conditions is required, and a sufficient number of people suffering can be quickly accessed. • They allow a simultaneous examination of multiple conditions and risk factors • Allow the establishment of associations between suspected risk...
Words: 3862 - Pages: 16
...Alzheimer’s Disease Michael A. Smith HCS/245 May 26, 2014 Dr. Michelle Clemons Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer is a stage of dementia which ability of the brain appears to stop functioning, such as creating memory loss, judgment instability, lack emotions with reasoning and changes in behavior. This is found more common in the elderly population of people. Studies shows apparently some people over sixty-five develops forms of dementia with the increase in later years after eighty-five. The Alzheimer's disease can be found in millions of Americans and more prevalent amongst African-Americans than other races. Describing the disease This type if disease very complex and changing rapidly without much discovery concerning treatments. When the processing of some proteins experiences interference or goes wrong terribly, the development of Alzheimer disease starts to blossom. This activity caused the brain cells with space between them cluttered with toxic protein; resulting loss nerve cells in regions of the brain upon investigation by microscopes for clear venture would reveal it. Such clusters are of two forms: the ones found between cells and those inside nerve cells. The dying nerve cells communicate with neurotransmitter acetylcholine a compound that would break down an enzyme known as acetyl cholinesterase and other studies now suggests having high cholesterol and also blood pressure being too high can be contributing toward Alzheimer disease significantly...
Words: 1097 - Pages: 5
...Application 7 Scope 7 Epidemiology versus Public Health 7 Causation of diseases 8 Achievements in Epidemiology 9 Small pox 9 Methyl Mercury Poisoning 10 Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease 11 Iodine Deficiency Disease 11 Tobacco use, Asbestos and Lung Cancer 12 Hip Fractures 12 HIV/AIDS 13 Global AIDS epidemic 1990–2003 13 SARS 14 Conclusion 15 Bibliography 16 Introduction This essay provides a brief summary of what epidemiology is, what it is used for and discusses the major successes epidemiologist have contributed towards control and eradication of major epidemics. The discussion will also touch on the historical context and development of the emergency of epidemiology as a science and art, and give example of some of the people that greatly contributed to the achievement scored in epidemiology studies and applications. The Historical Context Epidemiology originated from the Hippocrates` observation more than 200 years ago who identified environmental factors to have an influence on the occurrence of diseases. It was until the nineteenth century when the distribution of the disease specific in human population group was measured to a large extent as beginnings of epidemiology and road to the most spectacular achievement. The other aspect practice that became common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century’s was the comparing of rates of the disease...
Words: 5070 - Pages: 21
...transmitted disease associated primarily with white homosexual men. In fact, African Americans are the racial/ethnic group that are mostly influenced by HIV/AIDs. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, by the end of 2008, an estimated 240,627 blacks with and AIDs diagnosis has died in the United States (CDC, 2012). Contrary to the evident statistics affecting the African American population as a whole, there remains a small amount of research studies, dedicated towards HIV/AIDs healthcare promotion and prevention strategies specifically designed for the African American women. However, there is a large proportion of African American women affected by HIV/AIDs. In 2009, black women accounts for 30% of the new estimations of HIV infections among blacks. The rate for HIV infections as compared to other populations is 15 times more than white women, and three times as high for Latina women (CDC, 2012). This is confirmed by social media, primarily directed at African American males. In regards to the African American women, personal beliefs, cultural practices, and social norms act as a backdrop in determining the risk behavior of acquiring HIV/AIDs. This study serves to address the need for prevention strategies among single African American women of 18-22 years of age in college from the middle socioeconomic class. The subjects for the study are voluntary and motivated to learn with no developmental barriers noted. In particular, the study will investigate...
Words: 2634 - Pages: 11
...Introduction “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that belongs to the group of conditions called motor system disorders”. PD cannot yet be cured and patients get worse over time as the normal bodily functions, including breathing, balance, movement, and heart function worsen. The most common type of Parkinson disease is idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), first described by James Parkinson, an English physician, in 1817 as paralysis agitans (the shaking palsy). Parkinson’s disease most often occurs after the age of 50 and is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. PD is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine brain cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. It is characterized by tremor, slowness of movements (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity). Postural imbalance and gait disturbances. Other symptoms can include depression and anxiety etc. (causes, diagnosis, treatment and symptoms refer appendix I). One approach to reducing the symptoms of PD is through the use of exercise. Traditional exercise approaches to deal with gait and balance difficulties may include dynamic balance training, treadmill training, or strength training. Recommendations have been made regarding key components of an exercise program designed for those with PD. Keus et al. recommend four key areas: i) cueing strategies to improve gait, ii) cognitive movement strategies to improve transfers, iii) exercises to...
Words: 2811 - Pages: 12
...deterioration that occurs to a young body going through cancer treatment. Although he is taking the chemotherapy well, he has lost the ability to walk and his extensive vocabulary is down to three simple words. He has states of acute psychosis that are hard for his parents to deal with. David’s father is a CRNA and his mother a CVICU nurse, even at their level of expertise this it is unbearable at times to know everything about a disease yet have no control on its effects to your child. I know I have strayed away from the question, but wanted to stress the importance of why ACS exists. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service (American Cancer Society, 2013). ACS provides education and support in every way possible. The challenges of fully understanding a disease processes like cancer are extensive. Like David’s case, many cancers are not an overnight acute event that is treated quickly. Treatments for different types of...
Words: 1545 - Pages: 7
... According to the Centers for Disease Control, “diabetes affects 25.8 million people, 8.3% of the U.S. population” (Center for Disease control and Prevention, 2012, par 1). Twice as many African Americans are likely to develop diabetes than Caucasian Americans. These statistics represent how serious diabetes has become for the black community. Epidemiology can focus healthcare efforts and interventions to help lower the incidence of diabetes of the African Americans. This paper will focus on the role of epidemiology in the observation of the frequency of diabetes in the morbidity and mortality of American of African decent. This paper will also include the definition and description of epidemiology, epidemiological methods, the epidemiological triangle, types of epidemiology, and prevention that is related with diabetes in the African American community. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Epidemiology is defined as, “the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of health problems.” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012, p. 243). Epidemiology has provided an understanding of the factors, which contribute to health and disease, and the development of health promotion and disease prevention measures. The purpose of epidemiology is to find the causes of the disease that affect a population. Epidemiology has...
Words: 1930 - Pages: 8
...life, the person must know and must have knowledge about his/her health, the complications, risk factors, why it occurred and how it can be treated or prevented.. Thanks to the advance in medical diagnosis and technology, today everyone has access to best medical facilities and consultations. But, we are still struggling with numbers. There are not enough doctors and other para medical staffs to meet the growing number of patients. One way of dealing such problem is to educate the patients so that they can self mange their disease or conditions. It can only happen when they have knowledge about the disease they are suffering from.. In this essay, the client or the subject of study is a person suffering from type II diabetes. So what is diabetes education? It is all about assisting the client, their family and their care takers to gain knowledge about the disease, and empower them with skills and motivation power that will help in self management of the disease. This provides them with certain knowledge of what to do, when to do, how to do, and when to seek the help of a professional health practioner? The next question in this field which emerge is who can be an educator? Those persons who are recognized by the medical council of the respective countries are eligible for providing education to the patient. A person must seek diabetes education when he/she being diagnosed with any type of diabetes, need of monitoring blood glucose level at home, difficulty to access the facilities...
Words: 1487 - Pages: 6
...decreased 78%, from 1.80 per million to 0.39 per million, and the death rate among youths aged 10–19 years decreased 52%, from 3.56 per million to 1.71 per million (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2012). The seriousness of these statistics shows that diabetes is disease requiring significant attention in the youth population. Epidemiological studies are needed in order to direct healthcare in the youth population and to provide effective interventions designed to reduce the prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes amongst our youth. Definition and Purpose of Study The purpose of epidemiology is to study disease and as a tool of community health it performs this function through a series of steps: 1. Search for determinants – A search for causes and factors that influence public health such as disease or high risk behaviors such as drug use. 2. Study of events- Health-related states or events need to be studied such as chronic diseases, injuries, birth defects, maternal-child health, occupational health, environmental health, and behaviors, i.e., exercise, seat-belt use, etc. 3. Control of disease- Using data from determinants and events, conclusions can be drawn to stop or control the disease. 4. Application of data- The epidemiological data can be applied to community health and can be used to deter, prevent, and educate the community against...
Words: 2003 - Pages: 9
...Case Study 16: Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Chile Abstract Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformation to congenital heart disease and affected 400 babies in Chile annually before a fortification legislation was passed to use fortified flour with folic acid. This fortification reduced spina bifida by 51% and anencephaly by 46% (Levine, 2007). Team One will share answers to questions about this study and research of the problem. The globally astute nurse can provide education and become an advocate to continue to reduce these congenital birth defects through improving the health of women and children and thus all humanity. Case Study Sixteen: Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Chile Despite efforts to reduce neural tube defects, more than 300,000 children are born with neural tube defects annually (CDC, 2012). In Chile, fortification with folate reduced birth defects. Public and private partnerships are necessary for the success of ventures to improve healthcare. Fortification with folate in the diet can be replicated, but must be attune to cultural diet and nutrition habits. Global education is a critical link to success in combating disease and especially with neural tube defects. Once leaders are aware and efforts can focus on problems for education, intervention and evaluation, global health can be improved and the sustainability of our people and planet can continue. Question...
Words: 2171 - Pages: 9
...Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis Rebecca Milligan April 29, 2010 Participation in an exercise program can be a challenge for most people, but it can be especially difficult if someone loses mobility as a result of a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS). While these challenges may often seem insurmountable, there are many strategies that make it possible for people with MS-related mobility problems to participate in, and gain significant benefit from, a carefully designed and customized program of regular exercise. THE IMPACT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease of the central nervous system. It degrades the myelin sheath that covers and protects axons or nerve tissue in the body. There is also evidence that the disease damages nerve tissue itself. MS can compromise the ability of nerves to function normally, which can also affect mobility, feeling, and sensory perception. It may also cause fatigue and a loss of muscle mass due to the inability of the patients to exercise adequately. A critical element of treatment is the need to watch for signs of progression of the disease. Multiple sclerosis progression is most commonly measured through a scale called the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which focuses largely on a person's ambulatory ability.(n1) Many doctors also use a measurement called the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), which is a three-part composite assessment that uses a wide variety...
Words: 2636 - Pages: 11
...1.1 Introduction Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, harms the brain's ability to send and receive signals. It is considered one of the common diseases of the central nervous system. It affects in most cases the children and people aged between 20-40 years. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The exact reason(s) for the inflammation that occurs in MS are not yet known, and this remains an active area of research. We do know that the inflammation damages both neurons and the myelin that protects neuronal processes (called axons). The effect of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the individual and...
Words: 1723 - Pages: 7
...Descriptive Epidemiology Case Study 1 Managerial Epidemiology – HAS 535 – Descriptive Epidemiology Case Study: Diabetes Descriptive Epidemiology Case Study 2 Diabetes, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States is a disease in which the body has a shortage of insulin, a decreased ability to use insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood, and, overtime, damage vital organs. In a healthy person, blood sugar levels, which fluctuates based on food intake, exercise and other factors are kept within an acceptable by insulin. Insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the body absorb excess sugar from the bloodstream; therefore, in people with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin thus increasing the blood sugar levels making it difficult to be controlled by insulin. Type 1 diabetes, diagnosed in children and young adults (although it can occur at any age) is an autoimmune disease that may be caused by genetic, environmental or other factors. It accounts for about 5 percent of diabetes cases. Although there are no known ways to prevent it, administration of insulin is an effective treatment. Type 2...
Words: 2549 - Pages: 11
...A framework to measure the impact of investments in health research OECD Blue Sky II Forum, September 25, 2006 Alan Bernstein, Vern Hicks, Peggy Borbey, Terry Campbell Abstract This paper describes the approach taken by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to develop a framework and indicators to measure the impact of health research. The development process included national and international consultations. Key methodology challenges and measurement requirements were identified. The framework that has resulted from this process includes definitions of key concepts, methodology guidelines, identification of the different stakeholders for impact information and the individual concerns of each stakeholder group. Indicators are classified within five categories that encompass a broad range of impacts. Sources of information and issues in attributing research impacts are discussed. An analysis of issues suggests that impact measurement and performance measurement are complementary activities, with the former focused on broad impacts of the health research sector and the latter on the degree of success achieved by funding agencies in contributing to the process of knowledge development and uptake. Introduction Accountability and value received for the use of public funds have become high priorities for governments around the world. Quantifying the value of publicly funded health research is a challenge for many countries. This paper describes the approach taken by the...
Words: 5822 - Pages: 24
...Conclusion In the systematic analysis of the 23 studies we have highlighted the role of Leventhal’s Common Sense Model (SRM) in the analysis of hereditary / familial cancer and the role of the psycho-social impact on individuals affected by the disease or with high risk for the disease in the screening for hereditary / familial cancer and in the genetic testing and counseling. Thus, we have identified three themes in which we included the analyzed studies: a) identification of the predictors involved in the screening compliance, in the responses to health threats, in emotional distress; b) assessment of the emotional and cognitive impact, of the perceived risk and the perceived disease in genetic testing, of the family history of cancer or...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
