...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population NUR/408 January 14, 2013 Theresa White Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population This paper will define epidemiology and vulnerable population. The methods and steps involved in the epidemiology process will be discussed. The diseases of a specific vulnerable population and emphasis of one disease will be examined with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations. The epidemiology triangle is explained and evaluating the feasibility of prevention will be explored with definitive steps for prevention. Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) states “epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in human populations and the application of this knowledge to improving the health of communities (p. 282). In many communities there populations at risk for to specific health care problems creating a vulnerable population. “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning “susceptibility,” and its specific connotation in terms of health care is at risk for health problems” (De Chesney, 2008, p. 3). As Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) identify “epidemiology is a multidisciplinary enterprise that recognizes the complex interrelationships of factors that influence disease and health at both the individual level and the community level; it provides the basic tools for the study of health and disease in communities” (p. 282). In every community there are vulnerable populations...
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...Epidemiology Paper The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevancy of the vulnerable population, and the disease for this group. The vulnerable population that has been chosen is mental illness, and the disease for this population is AIDS/HIV. There will be a definition and description of epidemiology in regards to HIV/AIDS, with the steps and method that was used. The Epidemiological Triangle will be define and identified, and the different types of epidemiology. The population chosen characteristics such as the influenced population’s vulnerability. This essay will also examine the values and potential cultural biases with cultural considerations that may impact health issues. There are legal and ethical consideration when working with the mentally ill. Describing the relationship of the disease to varies levels of prevention. Relevant population and the disease of this population The mentally ill the population and the disease is AIDS/HIV. Mental disorders are indiscriminate. They occur across the span and affect persons of all races, cultures genders and educational and socioeconomic group. One of the leading cause of disability is mental illness. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS have had an enormous political and social impact on society. Nearly 75% of new HIV infections occur in persons between 30-49 years may result in disrupted families and lost careers and economic productivity. (Stanhope, 2012, p317) HIV is transmitted through exposure...
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...Malnutrition among the Elderly Nursing 408 Malnutrition among the Elderly Introduction According to research published in the May issue of the Annals of Epidemiology, in a nation where people die from complications of too much food, some die from having too little (Lee & Berthelot, 2010). Although malnutrition is often thought of as a killer in the developing world, it's also a problem for the elderly in the United States. In this paper, I will discuss multiple concepts related to malnutrition among the elderly, and how this topic relates to epidemiology. First, I will define and describe malnutrition among the elderly. Second, I will explore the steps and methods of epidemiology related to my chosen topic of malnutrition among the elderly. Third, I will converse about the epidemiological triangle, and the type of epidemiology used for my chosen topic. Fourth, I will discuss how the characteristics of the elderly population influence vulnerability. Fifth, I will define how cultural considerations may impact health status, and any ethical or legal considerations. Last, I will explain the relationship of the malnutrition to various levels of prevention. Researchers from Louisiana State University examined data from 3,141 counties and older adult malnutrition mortality using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. According to CDC data, between 2,000 and 3,000 older adults die from malnutrition each year (Lee & Berthelot, 2010). Trevor Rowe once said, “Unless...
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...Epidemiology: Hepatitis C in the Veteran Population NUR / 408 July 7, 2014 Deborah Nallo Introduction Hepatitis C (HCV) is highly prevalent within the Veteran population. HCV is a major public health concern because of the debilitating effects associated with the virus. HCV results in increased mortality and morbidity rates resulting from the acute and chronic effects of the virus. The most common transmission of HCV occurs through injection drug use, injuries resulting from needle sticks and the lack of infection control in healthcare facilities. The transmission of HCV can also occur through sexual contact between individuals who have the human immunodeficiency virus, and HCV virus, tattoos that were not professionally done and HCV infected mothers who have transmitted the virus to their newborn babies. The hepatitis C virus is the most common blood-borne virus in the United States. An estimated 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C. Most are unaware of their infection. Each year, about 17,000 Americans become infected with hepatitis C ("Centers for Disease Control and Prevention", n.d.). The veteran population has a higher rate of HCV exposure and infection when compared to the general population. Many of the individuals who are infected with the HCV virus are unaware of their infection and therefore they do not receive the necessary treatment. Individuals with HCV are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinomas and other...
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...Epidemiology Paper Monica Okoro Nur/408 Epidemiology: Global and Public Health September 10, 2012 Diane Campbell, DNP - PHN, FNP - BC Epidemiology Paper Public health nursing allows nurses to encounter various vulnerable populations on a daily basis. In particular, the elderly make up a large portion of the population, and their vulnerability to the environment and other physical factors is a very important aspect of public health nursing. Epidemiology allows the public health nurse to study and assess vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and create interventions that maximize the health potential of all members of the public. This paper will explore the role of epidemiology and also discuss the definition and purpose of epidemiology, epidemiological methods, the epidemiological triangle and levels of prevention that is related with influenza in the elderly community. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Originally, epidemiology was a term that was used to describe the spread of infectious disease. Over the course of time, that definition has expanded considerably in order to accommodate the complexity of ever-changing populations, their environments, and increasing occurrences of disease. Epidemiology is a branch of public health that studies of the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in human populations. It studies the patterns of diseases in human populations and how to control health problems associated with disease...
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...Epidemiology Paper In this epidemiological paper, I will be discussing about my chosen vulnerable population of elderly and the disease of type II diabetes among elderly population. I will also be discussing epidemiology and what it means, the steps and methods of epidemiology and how it was done for my chosen population and disease. Ethical and legal considerations, how to provide culturally competent care, and at last, I will discuss whether the research was descriptive or analytical, and the process of feasibility and evaluation of prevention of diseases. As stated in Nursing Standard, epidemiology is a scientific research discipline concerned with observing, measuring and analyzing health-related occurrences in human populations (Last 1995, Trichopoulos 1996). Mausner and Kramer (1985) suggest that epidemiological studies can be applied to all diseases, conditions and health-related events (Whitehead, 2000). Although epidemiology is focused on observing, measuring, and analyzing, it also evaluates diseases and health services, rationalizes resources, and prioritizes as to how to formulate strategies for health promotion. Epidemiology can also help to determine the health of the population, planning of health policies and services, and maintaining a healthy environment for all. When it comes to nursing, epidemiology offers nurses many benefits in incorporating health practices into their professional roles, helps them in having a better understanding in regards to the disease...
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...Epidemiology Paper Anavictoria Fortaleza March 5, 2012 NUR408 Epidemiology Paper Vulnerable populations are "those with a greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized socio-cultural status, their limited access to economic resources, or personal characteristics such as age and gender" (De Chesnay & Anderson, 2008). Infants and young children are vulnerable to a host of healthcare problems, they are susceptible to viral infection especially respiratory infection such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus. In this paper, the author will define and describe epidemiological triangle as it relates to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), types of epidemiology, and levels of prevention of RSV. Epidemiology Definition 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" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). The study of epidemiology is important because it search for causes or factors that are related with increased risk or likelihood of disease, it deals with group of people rather than with individual person, and it helps public health with decision making and aids in developing and evaluating interventions to control and prevent health problems (CDC, 2012). Epidemiology is used to "monitor the health of various populations, understand the determinants of health and disease in communities, and...
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...Epidemiology today is considered to be the core science of public health and is described as a constellation of disciplines with a common mission: optimal health for the whole community (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Epidemiology has reformed public health and continues to strive for disease prevention and health promotion in communities across the world. The population and disease that will be discussed in relation to epidemiology in this paper with be teens and pregnancy. This paper will explore the role of epidemiology in HPV and teenagers and the contributing factors. This paper will also discuss the definition and purpose of epidemiology, epidemiological methods, the epidemiological triangle, and levels of preventions that is related with HPV and teenagers. Epidemiology is importance to public health in relation to disease prevention and health promotion. According to Stanhope & Lancaster (2008), epidemiology has been defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health related states or events in specified population and the application of this study to control health problems. Epidemiology is not just “the study of” health in a population; it also involves applying the knowledge gained by the studies to community-based practice (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, n.d.). Epidemiology and its findings in relation to prevalence of diseases among certain populations is a vital ingredient to public health and the overall health of communities. ...
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...Epidemiology by definition is the study of the distribution and patterns of health-events, health- characteristics and their causes or influences in well-defined populations. It is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform policy decisions and evidence-based by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive medicine. Epidemiologists are involved in the design of studies, collection and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review).Major areas of epidemiological study include outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and biomonitoring, and comparisons of treatment effects such as in clinical trials. Epidemiologists rely on a number of other scientific disciplines such as biology (to better understand disease processes), biostatistics (to make efficient use of the data and draw appropriate conclusions), and exposure assessment and social science disciplines (to better understand proximate and distal risk factors, and their measurement). I would like to discuss elderly patients as my vulnerable population. There is no set age at which a person maybe under the care of a geriatric physician. The physician aims to promote health by preventing disease and disabilities in geriatric adults. A gerontologist specializes in the aging process. Adult medicine differs from the geriatric patient because the focus is on the elderly...
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...Epidemiology: Teens and Human Papillomavirus Carmen Holder NUR/408 Epidemiology: Teens and Human Papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease found in the young, sexually active population. It is presenting itself as a growing concern among the most vulnerable population; teenagers. Usually, there are no signs or symptoms associated with HPV so most people do not realize they are infected or that they are exposing a sex partner to the virus. There are more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital area, but the two most common types are HPV 16 and 18. These two types are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). This paper will define epidemiology and describe the epidemiology triangle as it relates to HPV. A specific type of epidemiology, descriptive, will be explained in addition to various levels of prevention. “The word epidemiology comes from the Greek words epi (upon), demos (people), and logos (thought), and it originally referred to the spread of diseases of infectious origin (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012, p. 255). It was not until the twentieth century that the field of epidemiology was recognized as a discipline. The focus of epidemiology is on evidence-based practice and the outcomes are used to guide a change in practice. Due to the many manifestations of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and other circumstances related...
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...Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Rebecca J Buck NUR 408 July 29, 2013 Felita Patterson Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Among many misconceptions, tuberculosis is not a disease of the past. Tuberculosis remains a public health issue. It is estimated that one-third of the total world population is infected by tuberculosis (TB). The American lung association (2013) states, in 2011 alone there were nearly 9,000,000 new diagnosed cases of tuberculosis around the world and an estimated 1.4 million deaths because of this disease. In the United States, TB is not as common (but still a problem). In 2011, only 10,500 people reported having TB (Trends in Tuberculosis Morbidity and Mortality). Research shows that there are many preceding factors that predispose a person and increase the risk of contracting TB. Epidemiologists have studied and determined that many of these preceding factors are evident in vulnerable populations around the world, particularly the homeless population. The science Daily (2013) reports that “one in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of their diagnosis” (Death Rate from Tuberculosis in Homeless Alarmingly High). In addition to the high death rate for TB among homeless people, public health officials also recognize a growing threat of drug resistant strains within these vulnerable populations. Theses drug resistant strains of tuberculosis require longer, more consistent treatments...
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...Epidemiology Paper Epidemiology has become the method of choice for public health research. The patterns and trends and cause and effects of health affecting phenomena identified by epidemiology are instrumental in predicting risk factors e.g.; development of treatment strategies to prevent or contain diseases. Epidemiology estimates have changed over time related to changes in the definition and diagnosis of diseases. Epidemiology is practiced as a broad scientific discipline that addresses occurrences of diseases and distribution of health status of populations. Integration of casual concepts at the clinical, social and environmental levels will allow faculty to work to maintain an intellectual environment that will facilitate the integration of biological, social and, analytical approaches of epidemiology. This type of environment allows faculty and students to develop the knowledge to fully appreciate the complexities of biosocial system to understand, modify, and use this information to maximum potential. The focus of this paper will be on immigrant/migrants as a vulnerable population with emphasis on infectious disease a major health concern. The paper will define epidemiology and identify steps and methods of the type of epidemiology and examines relationships of illnesses and education related to infectious diseases. Epidemiology defined Stanhope & Lancaster (2008) defines epidemiology as “the study of the distribution and determination of health- related states...
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...Epidemiology Paper Tamika Swearingen NUR/ 408 December 1, 2014 Kimberly Oatman Epidemiology Paper The number of children diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, according to the CDC (2014), is about 208,000 people younger than 20 years in the United States alone. This includes those having been diagnosed diabetes type 1 or type 2. Diabetes has become more prevalent and there is no cure at this time. With the study of Epidemiology, there is hope for a decline of Diabetes and it dominance amongst the American children. In this paper, it will describe and define epidemiology and how it relates to diabetes. This paper will discuss the method and triangle of epidemiology along with the chosen vulnerable population and disease of diabetes in children. Definition of Epidemiology Epidemiology has been defined as “the study of the occurrence and distribution of health-related states or events in specified populations, including the study of the determinants influencing such states, and the application of this knowledge to control the health problems” (Stanhope and Lancaster, 2012). Epidemiology can be described as a study that looks at certain specifics of the excess risk a disease and the rate or incidence of how it is affected. It focuses on the study of why and how it affects certain populations. Steps and Methods of Epidemiology Diabetic information can be gathered in many ways such as analyzing: routine data, research data ad epidemiological data. In Southern Nevada, health related...
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...EPIDEMIOLOGY Paper Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V Abstract This paper will provide an overview of the Chickenpox disease process and the effects it has on the population. The paper continues to review how the epidemiological triangle is used and will include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. The writer will try to review the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease, and also will see the roles and responsibilities of the community health nurse. In the end the paper discusses the associations, organizations, and national agency that addresses the chicken pox and contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of chickenpox disease. Chickenpox It is studied that 95 % of Americans get chickenpox by adulthood. Chickenpox is highly contagious. According to CDC 4 million people are infected by chickenpox every year. About 120,624 people in the USA were infected in 1995; it decreased to a tremendous 46,016 cases in 1999 in USA [Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 1999] Earlier before the chickenpox vaccine was discovered,each year about 11,000 people needed hospitalization for chickenpox in the U.S, and about 100 to 150 people died each year of chickenpox. With the vaccine, cases of chickenpox have dropped by about 90%. Cause Chickenpox is a transmittable illness induced by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Babies, adults and individual...
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...(p. 2333). Mental health has become an increase concern in the vulnerable elderly population across the nation. Two of the major mental diseases that are prevalence in the elderly population are Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Alzheimer and Dementia are both diseases that affect the elderly population across the nation by declining loss of intellectual functioning. Not much is known about these disease processes but what is known is both these diseases are similar in signs and symptoms (Fisher Center For Alzheimer‘s Research Foundation, 2011). To explore and understand more about Alzheimer and Dementia disease process, it is important to understand what epidemiology is. Then this paper will show how the steps and methods the epidemiology uses to help determine the cause and effect of a disease. The paper continues to review how the epidemiological triangle is used. It is important to tie it altogether by explaining how epidemiology is used to help explore and understanding in how the disease process develops, any identifying causes and how to either slow the effects or prevent the disease process of Alzheimer from developing. Then next, the paper will provide an overview of the disease process and the effects it has on the elderly population. Last, the paper will review the relationship of the disease to various levels of prevention. Epidemiology According to Stanhope and Lancaster (2008), "Epidemiology is a multidisciplinary enterprise that recognizes the complex interrelationships...
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