...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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...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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...Epidemiology Paper – HIV/AIDS 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, p. 243). According to Medscape’s (2011) website, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent among homeless girls and women (both sheltered and unsheltered) and is attributed to lack of access to condoms, survival sex, prostitution, intravenous drug use, language barriers, and citizenship status. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. Not having a good immune system means the body will have trouble getting rid of disease. The infection it creates and the virus is called HIV. One of the most important pieces of the immune system is the White Blood cells. The HIV virus targets and destroy a specific white blood cell called CD4+ cells. The human body can’t defend itself from infection if way too many CD4+ cells are neutralized. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the last phase of HIV infection. People get rare Cancer or infections that healthy people almost never get if they have low amount of CD4+ with AIDS. This could be fatal. Although just because you have HIV, doesn’t mean you also have AIDS. It usually takes 10-12 years for HIV to become aids even without any treatment. If the HIV virus is diagnosed before AIDS develop, then medicines...
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...Epidemiology in HIV & Community Nursing Practice Tiffany Gomez Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS 427 Kelly Davis May 10, 2015 Epidemiology in HIV & Community Nursing Practice Identifying and understanding the associated risk factors with the acquisition and transmission of HIV as well as the development of AIDS progression in all persons are critical components in the fight against this disease (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIH], 2013, para. 1). The HIV epidemic continues to be a growing concern as the pace of new infections continues at a high levels. (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2009, p. 1). The excessive burden of HIV/AIDS is neither unavoidable nor acceptable. It is possible to end the U.S epidemic but such a realization will require a throughout understanding of HIV in relation to demographics, social determinants of health, the epidemiological model, the role of the community health nurse as well as organizations that work to address HIV/AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus which quite simply means that it can only affect human beings and does so by weakening key aspects of the immune system so that the body has very limited capacity to fight infections. HIV can only be contracted through bodily fluid exposure. The body typically is able to rid itself of viruses completely but that is what differentiates HIV from other viruses; once you have it, you have it for life (Department...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Angela Wilson NUR / 408 November 4, 2013 Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Introduction Health is a state of optimum well-being, a human right and a social goal. The public health mission is to provide and assure conditions that promote health in the community. Public health, epidemiology and nursing practice share the same goal of disease prevention and control. By definition, epidemiology is the study of population in order to monitor the health of the population, understand the determinants of health and disease in the community, and investigate and evaluate interventions to prevent disease and maintain health. (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). 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...
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...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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...Community Health-HIV Transmission and Prevention Kimberly Welch Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V Jude Belmonte June 14, 2015 Community Health-HIV Transmission & Prevention One of the most complicated and complex communicable diseases in the world population today is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is estimated that 78 million people have been infected and 39 million people have died worldwide since the virus was first identified ("AIDS statistics," 2015, para. 1). HIV is contracted by direct contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. This infection modifies and destroys the specific cells of the immune system ("HIV basics," 2015, para. 1). The result of HIV infection is the eventual progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease) (Klatt, 2015, p. 6). HIV and AIDS are commonly used interchangeably when discussing the disease processes in general terms, but there is a distinctive evolution that identifies the presence of HIV to the development of AIDS. Since HIV targets specific cells, massive cellular destruction leads to the state know as acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("HIV basics," 2015). HIV infection currently has no cure and once acquired. However, with early detection and use of new medication combinations, it can be managed ("HIV Treatment," 2014, para. 3). Epidemiology is the medical study of the causes and transmission of disease within a population. Epidemiologist target specific strategies...
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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: HIV Tomekia L. Dinham, RN Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427v Dr. A. Cline-Owens, RN, Ph.D. December 14, 2015 Epidemiology: HIV Epidemiology is the science of studying the history, causes and treatment of diseases and infections. Epidemiological information is used by nurses to identify high risk populations with preventable health conditions (Maurer & Smith, 2013). Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also referred to as HIV, is a preventable sexually transmitted disease that requires persistent monitoring by healthcare professionals. Community health nurses play a pivotal role in supporting efforts against HIV by understanding and exploring the epidemiology of HIV through collecting, reporting and analyzing data related to the determinants of health. Simply put, HIV is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system. It specifically affects CD4 cells which are also called T cells. These cells are what the body uses for an immune response. HIV destroys the T cells that fight infection leaving the patient susceptible to immune system compromise. This results in the patient being open to opportunistic infections that lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS, as it is commonly referred as, is a progression of HIV after the CD4 count falls to 200 or less (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). HIV is transmitted by bodily fluids such as blood, semen, breastmilk, and vaginal secretions. Anal sex carries...
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...Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is defined as the most severe form of an illness associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. HIV is caused by retrovirus. It is similar to other viruses such as the flu virus, but the only difference is that once a person gets in contact with retrovirus the person is infected with HIV for the rest of their life. The virus spreads when in it comes in contact with human tissue. The virus infects human CD4 cell and weakens the immune system that fights against infection. There is no cure for AIDS /HIV but there are medications to slow the progression of the disease. “HIV can be prevented by screening before pregnancy, protected sex, use of sterile syringes or needles, and screening of blood before transfusion” (Daar &Mark, 2012). A person infected with HIV develops flu-like symptoms within a month or two after the virus enters the body. These symptoms may last for several months to several years till person becomes symptomatic. The early symptoms are swollen lymph glands mainly on neck ulcers on the mouth or genitals, sore throat, and joint pain. The HIV infection, if not treated, can progress to AIDS in about 10 years. The clinical manifestations of AIDS may affect other organs in the system, including more serious infections, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, fungal infection of nails and malignancies (Daar & Marks, 2012). Epidemiology evidence indicates that HIV is transmitted through blood, body fluid, seminal...
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...Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Mauritius Paper Presenter: Satish K Ramchurn, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius Author(s): • Faatimah N Angnoo, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius • Smita SD Goorah, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius • Satish K Ramchurn, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius Introduction Mauritius is currently experiencing a concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemic. The epidemic is said to be concentrated because the prevalence in the general population is low (about 0.2%) whereas the prevalence in the high-risk groups of intravenous drug users (IDUs), commercial sex workers (CSWs), and prison inmates is high (between 15-20 %). For example, 485 out of the current 2126 prison inmates have tested HIV positive (23%). The overall prevalence for the 14-49 year-old age group is estimated at about 2 %. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mauritius is essentially IDU-driven. As the epidemic threatens to significantly affect the 14-20 year old age group through intravenous drug use and to expand to the general population with the CSW group acting as a bridge, it has become important to understand the epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mauritius and to develop a mathematical model to characterize the dynamics of the epidemic and to use the model to propose mitigating measures. Methods We reviewed and analyzed the HIV/AIDS prevalence data for...
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...Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, and if left untreated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS (AIDS, 2015). HIV is a virus that a person will have for the rest of their life, because the human body can never completely get rid of the virus (AIDS, 2015). There is currently no cure for HIV, but if properly treated, it can be controlled. HIV is caused by a virus that specifically attacks CD4 cells. These cells are responsible for the immune system. When left untreated, HIV attacks these cells, leaving the human body unable to fight off infection or cancers (AIDS, 2015). There are three stages of HIV. The first is the acute infection stage where there is a large amount of the virus being produced in the body. A person may not even know they have HIV in this stage. The second stage is the clinical latency stage where very low levels of the virus is being produced because a person may be receiving treatment. A person can live in the clinical latency stage for years, even decades. The final stage of HIV is known as AIDS and this is where a person is susceptible to opportunistic infection. (AIDS, 2015). There are several symptoms of HIV, but the only way to be certain that one has HIV is through testing. Early symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, fever, chills, swelling of lymph nodes, night sweats, and ulcers in the mouth (AIDS, 2015). Some people may be infected with HIV but not know it for an...
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...HIV Epidemiology HIV Epidemiology For the epidemiology paper I chose to write about HIV. HIV is growing concern in the community and too many people are uneducated about the seriousness of this disease. HIV is terminal illness; it will eventually consume your life at some point. There are treatment options out there but being compliant with the medication regimen is crucial to the maintenance and management of this disease. HIV also known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus; with HIV the virus replicates and attacks our immune system causing it to go haywire. With the suppression of our immune systems it puts people with HIV at a bigger risk for infection and other common illnesses. People with HIV the common cold can be very critical because their bodies are unable to fight off the virus. The virus attacks our WBC (white blood cells) and they are what are used to fight off infection. The cells that are affected the most are WBC that is called CD4+ cells. If these cells begin to malfunction then the body loses its ability defend itself against infection. HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person's body, usually through sexual contact, from sharing needles when injecting drugs, or from mother to baby during birth (WebMD, 2014). When we deal with patients who have this disease we need to be sure to educate them on the importance of safe sex practices and the importance of refraining from drug use especially when dealing...
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...Week 1: Core Functions and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic According to the book, “Introduction to public health” the HIV was at its highest in the 1980’s. The new cases that were recorded in the U.S at the time were at its greatest. The new case that was recorded was about 50000 every year. It is not a shock that those numbers were reached because it was at the time that public health was taken for granted and most people were unaware of its activities. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the latter stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and usually in the case of HIV; it might take a while to realize that the patient is affected by the virus and it comes with no symptoms. It takes about 3 months to get an idea from a medical perspective that the virus is present because in some cases, it is possible to get a false negative or a false positive because the immune system has not been really affected. AIDS however, does show symptoms as the CD4 count is usually lower 200. The number of lives lost from this deadly disease is quite huge. This situation has been a struggle on the infected and the affected. The 3 core functions of public health as discussed by “The future public health” from include assessment, policy development and assurance. Assessment: The constant assessment in the 3rd world countries especially in Africa has been significant in the past years. Assessment according to the book introduction to public health evaluates the health community...
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