A minimum of three references is required. The written essay should be at least 1250 words in length.APA format is required. Write a scholarly paper in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Choose one communicable disease. THE DISEASE IS rubeola MUST USE ATTACHED FORMAT****** Epidemiology Paper Requirements Include the following in your assignment:
Introduction
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations, and the application of this study to control health problems. It plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. In this paper, we will apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to the communicable disease of rubeola, commonly known as measles.
Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting children, although it can occur in individuals of any age group. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals and can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates. The virus is found worldwide and causes significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Measles is characterized by a prodromal phase that includes fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis, followed by the appearance of a characteristic maculopapular rash.
Epidemiological Concepts
To understand the epidemiology of rubeola, we need to analyze various key concepts. Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease in a given population over a specific period. In the case of measles, the incidence can provide insights into the current burden of the disease and help identify high-risk populations. Prevalence, on the other hand, refers to the total number of cases of a disease in a population at a specific point in time. This measure can help evaluate the long-term impact of measles and assess the effectiveness of control measures.
Another important concept in epidemiology is the basic reproduction number (R0), which represents the average number of secondary cases arising from a single primary case in a susceptible population. A higher R0 indicates a higher degree of contagiousness. For measles, the R0 is estimated to be between 12 and 18, signifying its high transmissibility. This highlights the need for stringent control measures, including widespread vaccination campaigns to achieve herd immunity and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.
Nursing Research
Nursing research plays a crucial role in improving the understanding and management of communicable diseases. Through research, nurses can contribute to the development and evaluation of prevention strategies, early detection methods, and effective interventions. They can also identify risk factors and develop evidence-based policies to control the spread of diseases like rubeola.
In the case of measles, nursing research can explore various areas. One important aspect is vaccine hesitancy and its impact on measles outbreaks. Research can provide insights into the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, such as misinformation and misconceptions, and develop targeted interventions to address these barriers. Additionally, studies can focus on the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and identify strategies to improve vaccine coverage, especially among vulnerable populations.
Nursing research can also investigate the psychosocial impacts of measles outbreaks on individuals and communities. This includes understanding the fear and stigma associated with the disease, as well as the mental health consequences for affected individuals and their families. Such research can inform the development of support systems and guidelines for managing the psychological effects of outbreaks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, epidemiology and nursing research play critical roles in understanding and controlling communicable diseases like rubeola. By applying epidemiological concepts, we can assess the burden of diseases, identify high-risk populations, and implement effective control measures. Nursing research contributes to the development of evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage communicable diseases, including measles. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we can improve the overall health outcomes and reduce the impact of diseases on individuals and communities.