...Epidemiology Paper Ericka Williams NUR/408 October 5, 2015 Willadene Walker-Schmucker Epidemiology Paper According to A Dictionary of Epidemiology (2014), Epidemiology is the science that studies the causes, patterns and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Epidemiology is an evidence-based practice that identifies risk factors and targets preventative healthcare. Epidemiology is a quantitative science built on the working knowledge of probability, statistics, and sound research. Epidemiology research looks at the population to see how many people are infected by the disease and study the disease over time to see if there is a change and what affects the disease have on our population. It is a tool used to promote and protect the public’s health. Steps and Methods of Epidemiology The steps and methods of epidemiology are routinely collecting data, epidemiologic data, and collecting data for other purposes these methods study health-related events. Routinely collected data can vary depending on time and region, this is data collected in a general population, such as births, deaths, and infectious diseases, (Stanhope & Lancaster 2012). Epidemiologic data uses surveys in specific populations to answer questions of concern and interest (Stanhope & Lancaster 2012). Data collected for other purposes is for research or investigative purposes within a region or area of interest (Stanhope & Lancaster 2012). Epidemiological triangle The...
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...SOLOMON SMART KALUBA ID: UB28902SPU37458 PUBLIC HEALTH ASSIGNMENT: DEFINATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, ITS USE AND EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS DATE OF SUBMISSION: 5/02/2014. ANTLANTIC INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY HONOLULU, HAWAII Contents Introduction 2 The Historical Context 2 Recent developments in Epidemiology 2 Definition, scope and use of epidemiology 4 Distribution 5 Determinants 5 Health- related states or events 6 Specified populations 6 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...
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...transferred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for a procedure after presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) this morning with a purple and extremely tender right lower extremity. She is alert and oriented to person, place and time. Her pain rating scale is a 10/10. She told the Emergency Department staff her foot began hurting about a week ago and had been becoming more and more tender and slightly more discolored as each day passed. She thought it would “go away with time.” When she awoke this morning, her toes were purple in color, and she was unable to touch them secondary to the immense pain. Her husband drove her to the hospital immediately. Her weight is 65.0 kg. Other findings include normal heart tones, clear lung sounds, positive bowel sounds and clear yellow urine from a urinary catheter inserted in the emergency department. Her medical history consists of hypertension, partial lumpectomy of the right breast seven years ago, alcohol abuse and hyperlipidemia. She is allergic to angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. She takes metoprolol 25mg twice per day at home for hypertension management. She has been married for 25 years and has two adult children. She reports that she smokes one pack of cigarettes per day and generally drinks two distilled alcoholic drinks per day. Blood work was drawn, but the results are not yet available. The emergency department team has transferred the client to the cardiac catheterization laboratory...
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...Research is a systematic reasoning process that: Select one: a. Confirms existing knowledge and builds new knowledge b. Uses a number of alternative solutions on a trial and error basis c. Is based on tradition and passed to us from previous generations d. Relies on experts to provide us with information Which of the following reasoning processes would be used in research? Select one: a. Primary and secondary patterns of thinking b. Deductive and inductive thought patterns c. Hunches and gut feelings about a situation d. Personal and first hand experiences Nursing research uses the research process to search for, develop, refine and expand a body of knowledge that: Select one: a. Increases the image and autonomy of nurses b. Defines nursing responsibility in the health care system c. Shapes and enhances the practice of nursing d. Decreases the nurses ability to practice in clinical settings Which of the following is a primary source of knowledge? Select one: a. Opinion piece b. Literature review c. Newspaper article d. Research article Which of the following general characteristics defines qualitative research? Select one: a. Small sample sizes and rich descriptive data b. Holistic understanding of people c. Making meaning from life experiences d. All of the above Which of the following have been established to ensure individual researchers adhere to ethical standards? Select one: a. Study procedure protocols b. Ethical journal editing...
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...information about disease can be gained through understanding concepts of epidemiology? http://evolve.elsevier.com/Copstead/ • Review Questions and Answers • Glossary (with audio pronunciations for selected terms) • Animations • Case Studies • Key Points Review Pathophysiology derives from the intersection of two older, related disciplines: pathology (from pathos, suffering) and physiology (from physis, nature). Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, cells, and bodily fluids. Physiology is the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms. Together, as pathophysiology, the term refers to the study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living beings. Pathophysiology seeks to reveal physiologic responses of an organism to disruptions in its internal or external environment. Because humans exhibit considerable diversity, healthy structure and function are not precisely the same in any two individuals. However, discovering the common and expected responses to abnormalities in physiologic functioning is useful, and it allows a general prediction of clinical progression, identification of possible causes, and selection of interventions that are most likely to be helpful. Thus, pathophysiology is studied in terms of common or “classic” presentations of disorders. Historically, descriptions of diseases were based on observations of those individuals who attracted medical attention because...
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... Effects on children, grandchildren, etc. (inheritable genetic effects) Decrease in life span, Change in mental condition resulting from stress, traumatic experiences, exposure to solvents. Effects on the ability to accommodate additional stress Following are some processes that can be hazardous for the health of workers 1. Abrasive blasting; abrasive blasting operations can create high levels of dust and noise. Abrasive material and the surface being blasted may contain toxic materials (e.g., lead paint, silica) that are hazardous to workers. Silica sand (crystalline) can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and breathing problems in exposed workers. Coal slag and garnet sand may cause lung damage similar to silica sand (based on preliminary animal testing). Copper slag, nickel slag, and glass (crushed or beads) also have the potential to cause lung damage. Steel grit and shot have less potential to cause lung...
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...Abstract: Aim: To search and critically review research literature, concerning management and technique of compression bandaging. Background: Compression bandaging is required for venous leg ulcers, which is due to damage and loss of skin above the ankle that is the result of a problem with the veins in the leg. Although leg ulcers are not a life-threatening condition, it can have considerable effects, not only on health, but also on the quality of life, self-esteem and healthcare cost. Method: Extended literature review, to extrapolate best available evidence, in order to address the focus question. Computerised and manual searches of previous literature were used; refining searches by means of constantly re-evaluating inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Eight (8) articles were decided upon, seven (7) of which were quantitative and one (1) which was qualitative in design. Two main themes emerged from these articles, that of management strategies for leg ulcers and technique of applying compression bandages. Recommendations: Episodes of venous ulceration can be reduced with management strategies, such as graduated compression therapy with comprehensive technique. However, without further education for nurses and patients towards compression therapy, venous ulceration will prolong and management strategies will fail. Conclusion: Knowledge of compression bandaging technique needs to be increased through further training/education. ...
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...Journal of Transcultural Nursing http://tcn.sagepub.com/ Standards of Practice for Culturally Competent Nursing Care : 2011 Update Marilyn K. Douglas, Joan Uhl Pierce, Marlene Rosenkoetter, Dula Pacquiao, Lynn Clark Callister, Marianne Hattar-Pollara, Jana Lauderdale, Jeri Milstead, Deena Nardi and Larry Purnell J Transcult Nurs 2011 22: 317 DOI: 10.1177/1043659611412965 The online version of this article can be found at: http://tcn.sagepub.com/content/22/4/317 Published by: http://www.sagepublications.com On behalf of: Transcultural Nursing Society Additional services and information for Journal of Transcultural Nursing can be found at: Email Alerts: http://tcn.sagepub.com/cgi/alerts Subscriptions: http://tcn.sagepub.com/subscriptions Reprints: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsReprints.nav Permissions: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav Citations: http://tcn.sagepub.com/content/22/4/317.refs.html >> Version of Record - Sep 26, 2011 What is This? Downloaded from tcn.sagepub.com by Marty Douglas on September 27, 2011 412965 ouglas et al.Journal of Transcultural Nursing TCN22410.1177/1043659611412965D Commentary Journal of ranscultural Nursing T 22(4) 317–333 © The Author(s) 2011 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1043659611412965 http://tcn.sagepub.com Standards of Practice for Culturally Competent Nursing Care: 2011 Update Marilyn K. Douglas, DNSc, RN, FAAN1, Joan...
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...Writing for the MPH: A W/Rite of Passage A message to BUSPH students Useful writing references for SPH students The writing process: some practical tips Common problems The Paramedic Method of editing Referencing: Styles of citation Citation of electronic sources A note about plagiarism Using direct quotations and paraphrases Boston University writing resources 6 9 10 15 21 25 27 29 31 2 3 INTRODUCTION Public health professionals write all the time. Writing is an important tool for bringing about changes in policy, practice, public understanding, and health behaviors. You may create exciting and effective methods for addressing these matters, but if you cannot effectively communicate those ideas it is as if they do not exist at all. Furthermore, the process of writing helps to sharpen one’s ideas; good writing requires good thinking. Writing assignments in SPH courses have a variety of goals: to test your knowledge, to foster critical thinking, to enhance your research skills, to assess your communication skills and to prepare you for the myriad writing tasks you will encounter in your professional work. We expect you to carry out writing assignments with the thought and skill consistent with graduate level work, and we believe the improvement of writing skills is essential for the health of our profession. An MPH degree implies that you are equipped with the many competencies that are required to be a successful public health practitioner; effective writing is one of the essential...
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...availability of high technology diagnostic and therapeutic equipment together with changing practice pattern of doctors has revolutionized the way health care is being delivered today. Without doubt, medical technology is indispensable for people's health and better quality of life in some areas; and contributes billions of dollars to the economy. Some would go so far to say that the practice of medicine these days is inherently dependent upon health technology. This is probably based on the observations that clinicians use a wide variety of technologies in diagnosing, treating and assessing the care of their patients. Today's medical technology is more advanced, more effective, and in many cases, more costly than ever before. Furthermore there is an ever increasing demand for high technology diagnostic and therapeutic health care facilities and their availability may come into conflict with medical necessity, social justice and cost effectiveness. There is increasing pressure on health care resources that is driving more explicit and public decisions regarding the best use of these resources. The complexity of modern technology and its high marginal cost suggest to us that testimonial reviews of new technologies are no longer sufficient.1 Current trends in health care decision making favour a transition from a rationale based primarily on resources and opinion to a rationale derived from research. In developing a new health care technology it is important to recognize its potential...
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...Clostridium difficile, also known as "CDF/cdf", or "C. diff", is a species of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Clostridium that causes severe diarrhea and other intestinal disease when competing bacteria in the gut flora have been wiped out by antibiotics. Clostridia are anaerobic, spore-forming rods. C. difficile is the most serious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, a severe inflammation of the colon, often resulting from eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics. In a very small percentage of the adult population, C. difficile bacteria naturally reside in the gut. Other people accidentally ingest spores of the bacteria while they are patients in a hospital, nursing home, or similar facility. When the bacteria are in a colon in which the normal gut flora has been destroyed (usually after a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as clindamycin has been used), the gut becomes overrun with C. difficile. This overpopulation is harmful because the bacteria release toxins that can cause bloating and diarrhea, with abdominal pain, which may become severe. C. difficile infections are the most common cause of pseudomembranous colitis, and in rare cases this can progress to toxic megacolon, which can be life-threatening. Latent symptoms of C. difficile infection often mimic some flu-like symptoms and can mimic disease flare in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-associated colitis.[4] Mild cases of C. difficile...
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...SPECIAL ARTICLE Postfertilization Effects of Oral Contraceptives and Their Relationship to Informed Consent Walter L. Larimore, MD; Joseph B. Stanford, MD, MSPH T he primary mechanism of oral contraceptives is to inhibit ovulation, but this mechanism is not always operative. When breakthrough ovulation occurs, then secondary mechanisms operate to prevent clinically recognized pregnancy. These secondary mechanisms may occur either before or after fertilization. Postfertilization effects would be problematic for some patients, who may desire information about this possibility. This article evaluates the available evidence for the postfertilization effects of oral contraceptives and concludes that good evidence exists to support the hypothesis that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives depends to some degree on postfertilization effects. However, there are insufficient data to quantitate the relative contribution of postfertilization effects. Despite the lack of quantitative data, the principles of informed consent suggest that patients who may object to any postfertilization loss should be made aware of this information so that they can give fully informed consent for the use of oral contraceptives. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9:126-133 Oral contraceptives (OCs) are among the most extensively studied and used medications in the world,1 and are accessible without a prescription in some countries, although still virtually unavailable in others. In America, OCs have...
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...Strategies for Tuberculosis Control from Experiences in Manila: The Role of Public-Private Collaboration and of Intermittent Therapy INAUGURALDISSERTATION zur Erlangung der Würde eines Doktors der Philosophie vorgelegt der Philosophisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Basel von Christian Auer aus Bottmingen (BL) Basel, Mai 2003 Genehmigt von der Philosophisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Basel auf Antrag von Herrn Prof. Dr. Marcel Tanner und Herrn Professor Dr. Klaus M. Leisinger Basel, den 6. Mai 2003 Prof. Dr. Marcel Tanner Dekan DEDICATION In memory of Aling Tess and Mang Tony, former neighbours of mine, victims of tuberculosis, the unrestrained killer that terminates daily the lives of 5000 people. With the sincere hope and plea that some findings and thoughts of this dissertation will contribute to reducing tuberculosis and poverty. “The appalling global burden of tuberculosis at the turn of the millennium, despite the availability of effective control measures, is a blot on the conscience of humankind. For developing countries, the situation has become desperate and the "cursed duet" of tuberculosis and AIDS is having a devastating impact on large sections of the global community. The vital question is, can despair be turned to hope early in the next millennium?” John Grange and Almuddin Zumla, 1999 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Summary Zusammenfassung Abbreviations i iii vii...
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...Epidemiology/Health Services/Psychosocial Research O R I G I N A L A R T I C L E Out-of-Pocket Costs and Diabetes Preventive Services The Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD) study ANDREW J. KARTER, PHD1 MARK R. STEVENS, MSPH, MA2 WILLIAM H. HERMAN, MD, MPH3 SUSAN ETTNER, PHD4 DAVID G. MARRERO, PHD5 MONIKA M. SAFFORD, MD6 MICHAEL M. ENGELGAU, MD, MS2 J. DAVID CURB, MD, MPH7 ARLEEN F. BROWN, MD, PHD4 THE TRIAD STUDY GROUP* OBJECTIVE — Despite the increased shifting of health care costs to consumers, little is known about the impact of financial barriers on health care utilization. This study investigated the effect of out-of-pocket expenditures on the utilization of recommended diabetes preventive services. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — This was a survey-based observational study (2000 –2001) in 10 managed care health plans and 68 provider groups across the U.S. serving ϳ180,000 patients with diabetes. From 11,922 diabetic survey respondents, we studied the occurrence of self-reported annual dilated eye exams and diabetes health education and among insulin users, daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Conditional probabilities were estimated for outcomes at each level of self-reported out-of-pocket expenditure by using hierarchical logistic regression models with random intercepts. RESULTS — Conditional probabilities of utilization (95% CI) varied by expenditure for dilated eye exam [no cost 78% (75– 82), copay 79% (75–...
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...hemiplegia affecting his balance and mobility. With the many health problems associated with stroke this essay will focus more on the problem of dysphagia and the patient’s needs related to this particular problem. Dysphagia is a condition in which the action of swallowing is either difficult or where the swallowed material seems to be held in its passage (McFerren 2008). The assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation (A.P.I.E) of the patient on admission and discharge will be discussed in further and more precise detail throughout the essay while maintaining the dignity and respect of Mr. Smith. This health problem was chosen due to personal experience with family members who have suffered stroke as well as working with patients on practice placement, and seeing how important it is to respect the person as an individual and to give them the holistic care they deserve and allowing them what independence they have left. Finally the essay...
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