Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC website for assistance when completing this assignment. A minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references is required. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Purchase the answer to view it
Applying Epidemiology and Nursing Research to a Communicable Disease
Introduction
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events, including diseases, in specified populations. It provides valuable insights into the patterns and causes of diseases, helping to inform public health interventions and policies. Nursing research, on the other hand, focuses on generating new knowledge to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. When combined, these two disciplines can contribute significantly to the understanding and management of communicable diseases. This paper will explore the application of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease, specifically the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Epidemiology of HIV Infection
HIV infection is a major global health concern, with approximately 38 million people living with the virus worldwide (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). Epidemiological studies have played a crucial role in understanding the spread and impact of HIV infection. Early epidemiological research identified key populations at higher risk, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and sex workers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018). This knowledge has informed targeted prevention and screening strategies.
Additionally, epidemiological studies have helped identify risk factors for HIV transmission, such as unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing of needles among injection drug users. This information has been used to develop community-based interventions, such as promoting condom use, providing harm reduction services, and offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (WHO, 2019).
Chain of Infection for HIV
The chain of infection provides a conceptual framework for understanding the transmission of communicable diseases. In the case of HIV, the chain comprises six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host (CDC, 2012). Understanding each link in the chain is critical for developing effective prevention and control measures.
The infectious agent in HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and other body fluids containing the virus (CDC, 2018). The reservoir for HIV is humans, particularly those who are unaware of their infection. The portal of exit is typically through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. The mode of transmission includes sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles, perinatal transmission, and blood transfusions (CDC, 2018). The virus enters the host through mucous membrane or broken skin, serving as a portal of entry. Finally, the susceptible host refers to individuals who are at risk of becoming infected with HIV.
By understanding the chain of infection for HIV, epidemiologists and nursing researchers can identify points at which interventions can be implemented to interrupt transmission. For example, promoting safe sex practices, providing needle exchange programs, and conducting routine HIV testing can all contribute to breaking the chain of infection.
Epidemiological Studies in HIV
Epidemiological studies have provided valuable insights into HIV transmission dynamics, risk factors, and disease progression. Different types of epidemiological studies, such as cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and case-control studies, have been conducted to understand the spread of the virus and its impact on individuals and communities.
Cross-sectional studies have been used to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection in different populations and identify factors associated with infection. For example, a cross-sectional study conducted in a high-prevalence urban area may find that certain demographic factors, such as age and socioeconomic status, are associated with a higher risk of HIV infection (King et al., 2020).
Cohort studies have been instrumental in establishing the natural history of HIV infection, including the time from infection to development of AIDS, as well as factors that influence disease progression. These studies follow individuals over time, collecting data on potential risk factors and outcomes. For instance, a cohort study could examine the impact of antiretroviral therapy on the progression from HIV infection to AIDS (Cohen et al., 2011).
Case-control studies have been used to identify factors associated with HIV infection. In these studies, cases (individuals with HIV infection) and controls (individuals without HIV infection) are compared to determine potential risk factors. For example, a case-control study may find that a history of injection drug use is strongly associated with HIV infection (Strathdee & Sherman, 2003).
Nursing Research in HIV
Nursing research in HIV focuses on improving the delivery of care to individuals living with the virus, as well as promoting prevention strategies. It encompasses a range of research methodologies, including qualitative studies, randomized controlled trials, and implementation studies.
Qualitative studies have been conducted to explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals living with HIV, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care. These studies provide insights into the psychosocial aspects of living with HIV, stigma and discrimination, and barriers to accessing care. For example, a qualitative study might explore the experiences of people living with HIV who have recently been diagnosed (Sayles et al., 2019).
Randomized controlled trials have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission or improving health outcomes for individuals with HIV. For instance, a randomized controlled trial could assess the impact of a comprehensive sexual education program in reducing the incidence of HIV infection among young adults (Jemmott et al., 2019).
Implementation studies in HIV nursing research focus on translating evidence-based interventions into real-world settings. These studies examine the process of implementing and sustaining interventions, as well as barriers and facilitators to their success. For example, an implementation study may explore the factors that influence the uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis among high-risk populations (Flash et al., 2020).
Conclusion
The application of epidemiology and nursing research to communicable diseases, such as HIV infection, is crucial for understanding disease patterns, identifying risk factors, and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Epidemiological studies provide a scientific foundation for public health interventions, while nursing research generates evidence to guide nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. By combining the strengths of these two disciplines, healthcare professionals can make significant strides in the control and management of communicable diseases.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Chain of infection. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section7.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). HIV transmission. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html
Cohen, M. S., Chen, Y. Q., McCauley, M., Gamble, T., Hosseinipour, M. C., Kumarasamy, N., … & Eshleman, S. H. (2011). Prevention of HIV-1 infection with early antiretroviral therapy. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(6), 493-505.
Flash, C. A., Campbell, C. K., Kuo, C., Goggin, K., Grelotti, D. J., & Taylor, T. N. (2020). Taking care: Understanding the barriers and facilitators of implementing nurse-delivered HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 31(6), 637-650.
Jemmott, J. B., Jemmott, L. S., O’Leary, A., Ngwane, Z., Lewis Jr, D. A., Bellamy, S. L., … & Makiwane, M. B. (2019). Effects of a culturally congruent intervention on cognitive factors and condom use among South African women: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 53(6), 549-560.
King, J. B., Kabbash, I. A., Durski, K., & Althouse, A. D. (2020). Assessing missed opportunities for HIV testing in medical care settings using population-based seroprevalence data: United States, National Health and Nutriction Examination Survey, 2009-2016. Medical Care, 58(2), 124-130.
Sayles, N., Chance, Z., Kompara, M., & Grov, C. (2019). “I didn’t have that knowledge … that there has been this large investment in HIV”: Consequences of a missed opportunity for PrEP adherence among Black MSM expected to encounter stigmatization. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 6(5), 1043-1050.
Strathdee, S. A., & Sherman, S. G. (2003). The role of sexual transmission of HIV infection among injection and non‐injection drug users. Journal of Urban Health, 80(4_suppl_3), iii7-iii14.
World Health Organization. (2019). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids