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. Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
Epidemiology and nursing research play a crucial role in understanding and addressing communicable diseases. A communicable disease refers to an illness caused by infectious agents or their toxic by-products that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another. This paper aims to apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a specific communicable disease: tuberculosis (TB).
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. It is transmitted through the inhalation of droplets containing the bacteria from an infected person. TB remains a global public health concern, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in 2019 (WHO, 2020). The following sections will discuss the communicable disease chain and the chain of infection for TB, as well as the application of epidemiology and nursing research in its prevention and control.
Communicable Disease Chain
The communicable disease chain provides a framework for identifying and interrupting the transmission of infectious diseases. It consists of six essential components: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host (CDC, 2020).
For TB, the infectious agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can also invade other organs. The reservoir for TB is primarily humans, particularly those with active pulmonary TB. The bacterium can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The portal of exit for TB is the respiratory tract, specifically the aerosolized droplets expelled through the mouth and nose. The mode of transmission is through inhalation of these droplets by a susceptible host. The portal of entry for TB is the respiratory tract, where the bacteria can enter the lungs and cause infection. Lastly, a susceptible host is an individual who lacks immunity or has a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to TB infection and progression.
Chain of Infection
The chain of infection provides a systematic approach to understanding how infectious agents are transmitted and cause disease. It consists of six key links: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host (CDC, 2020).
In the case of TB, the infectious agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The reservoir is primarily humans with active TB, particularly those with lung involvement. The portal of exit is the respiratory tract, from which the bacteria are expelled through coughing, sneezing, or talking, and become aerosolized. The mode of transmission is through inhalation of these aerosolized droplets containing the bacteria. Once inhaled, the bacteria enter the respiratory system through the portal of entry, leading to infection. The susceptible host for TB includes individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, infants, and those living with HIV/AIDS.
Epidemiology and Nursing Research in the Prevention and Control of TB
Epidemiology, as the study of health and disease patterns in populations, is essential in understanding the occurrence, distribution, and determinants of TB. By analyzing epidemiological data, researchers can identify trends, risk factors, and vulnerable populations, which enables the development and implementation of appropriate prevention and control strategies.
Nursing research plays a crucial role in addressing TB by contributing to the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at preventing and managing the disease. Research studies can explore topics such as TB screening and diagnostic methods, the effectiveness of treatment regimens, and interventions to promote adherence to medication. By conducting rigorous research, nurses can generate evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes and inform policy decisions.
An example of how epidemiology and nursing research contribute to the prevention and control of TB is through the implementation of contact investigations. Contact investigations involve identifying and screening individuals who have had close contact with TB cases to detect latent TB infection or active disease. These investigations help identify individuals at risk, initiate appropriate treatment and preventative measures, and interrupt the chain of TB transmission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, epidemiology and nursing research are fundamental in understanding and addressing communicable diseases such as TB. By applying the concepts of the communicable disease chain and the chain of infection, nurses and researchers can identify the key components and processes involved in TB transmission. This knowledge can then be applied to develop effective prevention and control strategies, such as contact investigations. Through ongoing research and surveillance, the field of epidemiology and nursing can continue to contribute to the global efforts to combat TB.