NR586NP Week 4 Application of Epidemiology Assignment

Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases

1. Describe the selected geographic region.

Florida is a southeastern US state with a population of approximately 21 million people. It is known for its diverse demographics, including many Latino, African American, and elderly residents. The state’s subtropical climate and high humidity contribute to both chronic and infectious diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika virus and West Nile virus (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Florida also faces health disparities, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas, where limited healthcare access and environmental factors like food deserts worsen outcomes (Benavidez et al., 2024). Additionally, Florida’s large retiree population has contributed to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, including obesity and hypertension, which are major public health concerns.

1. Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region.

Florida faces a significant burden of chronic diseases, including heart disease, which is the leading cause of death, as well as diabetes, which affects over 11% of adults and contributes to high hospitalization rates (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Cancer, particularly breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is the second leading cause of death, while stroke and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma also affect a large portion of the population (Florida Department of Health, 2023; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Obesity, which affects 30% of adults, is another primary concern, further contributing to other chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Infectious diseases in Florida include mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue, along with ongoing challenges related to HIV/AIDS (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Respiratory infections, including influenza, also pose a risk, especially during flu season (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

1. Compare and contrast the prevalence of diseases in the selected region with disease rates and trends in a different geographic area of your choosing, noting similarities and differences.

Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent in both regions. In Florida, heart disease is the leading cause of death, while diabetes affects over 11% of the adult population, with high hospitalization rates (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Similarly, Los Angeles struggles with high rates of heart disease and diabetes, though it benefits from a more robust healthcare infrastructure, which improves disease management and reduces complications (Benavidez et al., 2024). Obesity is another primary concern in both areas, affecting around 30% of adults in Florida (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Similarly, Los Angeles also faces obesity-related health issues. However, public health initiatives in Los Angeles place a greater focus on nutrition and physical activity, potentially mitigating some of these impacts (Benavidez et al., 2024).

Regarding infectious diseases, Florida faces a greater challenge with mosquito-borne illnesses due to its subtropical climate, including Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue (Florida Department of Health, 2023). In contrast, Los Angeles is less affected by these diseases but has a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS among Latino and LGBTQ+ populations, compared to Florida, where HIV is more prevalent among African Americans (Benavidez et al., 2024). While respiratory infections like influenza are common in both regions, Florida’s humid climate contributes to a higher rate of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic lower respiratory diseases (Florida Department of Health, 2023). Los Angeles, on the other hand, struggles with air pollution, which exacerbates respiratory issues like asthma, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

1. Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences.

Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in both regions. In Florida, many underserved populations face challenges such as limited access to healthcare and a high prevalence of poverty, especially in rural areas, which exacerbates chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease (Melix et al., 2020). Similarly, Los Angeles experiences health disparities, particularly among Latino and African American populations, where poverty and lack of healthcare access contribute to high rates of chronic conditions (Benavidez et al., 2024). However, Los Angeles benefits from a more comprehensive public health system and stronger social services, helping mitigate some of the adverse effects of socioeconomic inequality.

Environmental conditions also contribute to disease prevalence. Florida’s subtropical climate fosters the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and West Nile virus, less common in Los Angeles, where air pollution is a bigger concern. The high levels of air pollution in Los Angeles exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in neighborhoods with poor air quality (Benavidez et al., 2024). In contrast, Florida’s humid environment, while contributing to respiratory issues like asthma, does not face the same level of air pollution, leading to different respiratory health challenges.

Healthcare infrastructure plays a crucial role in disease management. While Florida struggles with healthcare access, particularly in rural areas and among minority populations, Los Angeles benefits from a larger and more accessible healthcare system, which provides better disease management and preventative care (Benavidez et al., 2024). This difference in healthcare access helps explain why Los Angeles may have better outcomes in managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease than Florida.

1. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

(Benavidez et al., 2024)

Application of the Epidemiological Model

1. Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section.
2. Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a significant determinant of diabetes risk, with lower SES linked to higher prevalence and poorer management of the disease. People in disadvantaged communities often lack access to healthy food, exercise spaces, and healthcare, increasing their risk (Hill-Briggs, 2020). Environmental factors, such as food deserts and inactive neighborhoods, further contribute to diabetes by limiting access to resources that support healthy living (Melix et al., 2020). Additionally, social support plays a key role in disease management, with individuals who have stronger support networks experiencing better control over their condition.

1. Identify and explain one epidemiological model that will be applied to the selected disease (i.e., Epidemiological Triangle, Web of Causation, or another legitimate epidemiological model).

The Epidemiological Triangle is a foundational model used to understand the interaction between the host, agent, and environment in the context of diseases like diabetes.

• Host: This refers to the individual affected by the disease. In the case of diabetes, the host is an individual with genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors, such as obesity or inactivity, which make them susceptible to developing the disease.
• Agent: The agent in diabetes is primarily related to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels, driven by factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
• Environment: The environment includes external factors such as access to healthcare, social support, and environmental influences like food deserts, air pollution, and access to physical activity spaces, which influence the host’s ability to manage or prevent diabetes.

1. Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease in a well-developed, comprehensive manner, addressing the entire model.

• Host: The host in diabetes consists of individuals, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, poor diet, and low physical activity levels. These individuals are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence diabetes risk. For example, African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations are at higher risk due to genetic and environmental factors.
• Agent: The agent for diabetes is primarily insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels. Risk factors for this agent include excessive calorie intake, a diet high in refined sugars and fats, and sedentary behavior, all prevalent in environments with poor access to healthy foods and exercise opportunities (John & Kompithra, 2023).
• Environment: The environment plays a crucial role in diabetes development. Factors like living in food deserts, where healthy food is scarce, and urban environments with limited spaces for physical activity contribute to unhealthy lifestyles that increase diabetes risk. Additionally, poor access to healthcare and diabetes education in specific neighborhoods may prevent individuals from getting diagnosed and managing the disease effectively (John & Kompithra, 2023).

By addressing all three components of the Epidemiological Triangle—improving individual lifestyle choices (host), reducing harmful dietary habits, promoting physical activity (agent), and improving environmental factors such as access to healthy foods and healthcare—diabetes prevalence and complications can be reduced.

1. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

(John & Kompithra, 2023).

Levels of Prevention

1. Explain the levels of prevention used within population health practice.

In population health, prevention is classified into four levels:

 

• Primordial Prevention: Focuses on social and environmental factors to reduce the risk of disease
• Primary Prevention: Aims to prevent disease onset in healthy individuals through interventions like immunization, health education, and lifestyle changes.
• Secondary Prevention: Targets early detection and intervention in individuals with subclinical disease to prevent progression. Examples include screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Tertiary Prevention: Focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications in individuals who already have the disease. This includes rehabilitation, disease management programs, and addressing long-term effects.

1. Discuss one primary prevention to address the disease.

A key primary prevention strategy for diabetes is promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Public health programs encouraging regular exercise and balanced diets, especially in schools and communities, can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by preventing obesity and improving insulin sensitivity.

1. Discuss one secondary prevention to address the disease.

Secondary prevention involves early detection and intervention. Regular screening for diabetes in high-risk populations, such as individuals with obesity or a family history of diabetes, helps identify the disease before symptoms appear. This allows for early treatment and management to prevent complications.

1. Discuss one tertiary prevention to address the disease.

Tertiary prevention for diabetes includes diabetic foot care. This involves regular monitoring and care of the feet to prevent complications like ulcers, infections, or amputations. Educating patients about proper foot care and managing blood sugar levels is critical to preventing long-term disability.

1. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

(Kisling & Das, 2023)

Reflection

1. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can monitor the application and efficacy of the prevention strategy.

An advanced practice nurse (APN) can monitor the efficacy of diabetes prevention strategies through regular assessments and screenings. This consists of monitoring the blood glucose levels of patients, monitoring lifestyle (lifestyle behavior such as eating, exercise), and health education. The APN can also assess the patients’ progress in managing risk factors, including obesity and hypertension. Implementing a follow-up schedule is essential to evaluate the weight, exercise, and compliance with medications or changes in lifestyle to achieve successful prevention strategies (Kisling & Das, 2023).

1. Discuss how you will apply the identified prevention strategies in your practice.

The primary prevention I will incorporate into my practice is education about the necessity of a healthy diet and exercise. This can include activities such as arranging health promotion campaigns or personal counseling on weight control. Regarding the secondary prevention, I will support screening the population at risk with a view to the early detection of diabetes symptoms and early interventions. For tertiary prevention, I will ensure that patients diagnosed with diabetes receive comprehensive care, including regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels, foot care, and management of any complications.

1. Reflect on what you have learned from this assignment.

This assignment has enhanced my understanding of the multi-level prevention strategies needed to address diabetes. I understand that successful prevention relates to identifying a person at risk and providing interventions at all levels, including encouraging healthy lifestyles and managing complications in those who are diagnosed. I also understand the importance of an advanced practice nurse in embracing such strategies via continuous education, regular screenings, and supporting patients. Ultimately, prevention can significantly reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals and healthcare systems alike.

References

Benavidez, G. A., Zahnd, W. E., Hung, P., & Eberth, J. M. (2024). Chronic disease prevalence in the US: Sociodemographic and geographic variations by zip code tabulation area. Preventing Chronic Disease, 21(21). https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd21.230267

CDC. (2021, March 17). Florida. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/florida/fl3.htm

Chronic disease profile – Florida Health CHARTS – Florida Department of Health. (n.d.). Www.flhealthcharts.gov. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=ChronicDisease.Report

Florida Department of Health. (2023). West Nile virus (WNV) | Florida Department of Health. Www.floridahealth.gov. https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus/

Hill-Briggs, F. (2020). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258–279. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0053

John, J., & Kompithra, R. (2023). Eco-epidemiology triad to explain infectious diseases. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 158(2), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_3031_21

Kisling, L., & Das, J. (2023). Prevention strategies. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537222/

Melix, B. L., Uejio, C. K., Kintziger, K. W., Reid, K., Duclos, C., Jordan, M. M., Holmes, T., & Joiner, J. (2020). Florida neighborhood analysis of social determinants and their relationship to life expectancy. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08754-x

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General Instructions

Investigate population health and epidemiological data to learn about prevalent disease trends within your geographic region. Compare and contrast the prevalence of diseases in the selected region with disease rates and trends in a different geographic area of your choosing.

Statistics from valid, reliable sources such as professional population health-focused organizations, governmental agencies, local and state health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are appropriate sources to validate assessment findings.

1. Download the Application of Epidemiology template Download Application of Epidemiology templateOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader.
2. Complete the Application of Epidemiology template to answer the questions related to your investigation. Use of this template is required. If the template is not used, a 10% deduction will be applied. See the rubric. Save the template and include your name in the file name.
3. Follow APA grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation rules consistent with formal, scholarly writing.
4. Use APA in-text citations and complete references to support your writing.
5. Abide by Chamberlain University’s academic integrity policy.
6. Submit the completed Application of Epidemiology template to the Week 4 Assignment Dropbox.

Include the Following Sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric)

1. Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases
   1. Describe the selected geographic region
   2. Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region
   3. Compare and contrast the prevalence of those diseases in a separate geographic region of your choosing, noting similarities and differences.
   4. Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences.
   5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.
2. Application of the Epidemiological Model
   1. Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section.
   2. Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process.
   3. Identify and explain one epidemiological model that will be applied to the selected disease (i.e., Epidemiological Triangle, Web of Causation, or another legitimate epidemiological model).
   4. Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease in a well-developed, comprehensive manner, addressing the entire model.
   5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.
3. Levels of Prevention
   1. Explain the levels of prevention used within population health practice.
   2. Discuss one primary prevention to address the disease.
   3. Discuss one secondary prevention to address the disease.
   4. Discuss one tertiary prevention to address the disease.
   5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.
4. Reflection
   1. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can monitor the application and efficacy of the prevention strategy.
   2. Discuss how you will apply the identified prevention strategies in your practice.
   3. Reflect on what you have learned from this assignment.

Rubric

NR586NP_W4_Application of Epidemiology Assignment

NR586NP_W4_Application of Epidemiology Assignment

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePrevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases5 required criteria 1. Describe the selected geographic area. 2. Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the area. 3. Compare and contrast the prevalence of those diseases in a separate geographic region of your choosing, noting similarities and differences. 4. Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences. 5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.	50 ptsExcellentAll requirements met. 46 ptsVery Good4 requirements met. 42 ptsSatisfactory3 requirements met. 25 ptsNeeds Improvement1-2 requirements met. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo requirements met.	50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication of Epidemiological Model5 Required Criteria  1. Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section. 2. Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process. 3. Identify and explain one epidemiological model which will be applied to the selected disease (i.e., Epidemiological Triangle, Web of Causation, or another legitimate epidemiological model). 4. Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease in a well-developed, comprehensive manner, addressing the entire model. 5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.	50 ptsExcellentAll requirements met. 46 ptsVery Good4 requirements met. 42 ptsSatisfactory3 requirements met. 25 ptsNeeds Improvement1-2 requirements met. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo requirements met.	50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLevels of Prevention5 Required Criteria 1. Explain the levels of prevention used within population health practice. 2. Discuss one primary prevention to address the disease. 3. Discuss one secondary prevention to address the disease. 4. Discuss one tertiary prevention to address the disease. 5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.	50 ptsExcellentAll requirements met. 46 ptsVery Good5 requirements met. 42 ptsSatisfactory4 requirements met. 25 ptsNeeds Improvement1-3 requirements met. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo requirements met.	50 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflection3 Required Criteria 1. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can monitor the application and efficacy of the prevention strategy. 2. Discuss how you will apply the identified prevention strategies in your practice. 3. Reflect on what you have learned from this assignment.	30 ptsExcellentAll requirements met. 27 ptsSatisfactory2 requirements met. 15 ptsNeeds Improvement1 requirement met. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo requirements met.	30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitation and Reference FormationUse the current APA format to format citations and references and is free of errors.	10 ptsExcellent0-1 errors. 9 ptsVery Good2-3 errors. 8 ptsAverage4-5 errors. 5 ptsNeeds Improvement6-7 errors. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMore than 7 errors.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting RequirementsCommunicate with minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.	10 ptsExcellent0-1 errors. 9 ptsVery Good2-3 errors. 8 ptsAverage4-5 errors. 5 ptsNeeds Improvement6-7 errors. 0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMore than 7 errors.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTemplate Used	0 ptsNo Points DeductedCorrect Template Used 0 ptsPoints Deducted20 points deducted (10%) for incorrect or no template used.	0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLate Penalty DeductionStudents are expected to submit assignments by the time they are due. Assignments submitted after the due date and time will receive a deduction of 10% of the total points possible for that assignment for each day the assignment is late. Assignments will be accepted, with penalty as described, up to a maximum of three days late, after which point a zero will be recorded for the assignment. Quizzes and discussions are not considered assignments and are not part of the late assignment policy.	0 ptsNo Points DeductedAssignment submitted on time. No points deducted. 0 ptsPoints Deducted-10% points/day up to 3 days late.	0 pts

Total Points: 200

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