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 Guid
Introduction
Epidemiology and nursing research play crucial roles in understanding and managing communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can be transmitted from one person to another. Examples of communicable diseases include influenza, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola. This paper aims to apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to investigate a communicable disease. The chosen disease for this analysis is influenza, a common and highly contagious respiratory illness.
Epidemiology of Influenza
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events, such as the occurrence of diseases, in human populations. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to identify trends and patterns in disease occurrence. In the case of influenza, epidemiological investigations focus on understanding its transmission dynamics, risk factors, high-risk populations, and seasonal patterns.
Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also spread by direct contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. The influenza virus has a short incubation period, usually between one and four days, making it highly transmissible. Epidemiological studies have found that infected individuals are most contagious during the first few days of illness, but they can still spread the virus even before showing symptoms.
The seasonality of influenza is another important aspect of its epidemiology. In temperate regions, influenza outbreaks usually occur during the winter months. This is believed to be influenced by factors such as environmental conditions (low humidity), increased indoor crowding, and reduced immune response due to vitamin D deficiency. In contrast, tropical regions may experience influenza activity throughout the year, with less distinct seasonal patterns.
The Chain of Infection in Influenza
The chain of infection is a model used in epidemiology to explain the transmission of infectious diseases from one individual to another. It consists of six key components: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Understanding these components is crucial for interrupting the chain and preventing further transmission.
In the case of influenza, the infectious agent is the influenza virus itself. The reservoir of the virus is primarily humans, although some animal species can also carry strains that can infect humans (e.g., avian influenza). The portal of exit for influenza is the respiratory system, through coughing or sneezing. The virus is then transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets or indirectly through contaminated surfaces. The portal of entry is the respiratory tract, typically through inhalation of the virus-containing droplets. Finally, the susceptible host is any individual who has not developed immunity against the specific influenza strain.
Nursing Research Approaches in Influenza
Nursing research plays a crucial role in understanding and managing communicable diseases such as influenza. It involves the application of scientific inquiry methods to generate knowledge that can inform evidence-based practice. Different research approaches can be utilized to investigate various aspects of influenza, including prevention strategies, treatment options, and patient outcomes.
One common research approach in nursing is the observational study. Observational studies involve observing and documenting events or behaviors without intervening in any way. These studies can provide valuable information about the natural history of influenza, risk factors for infection, and the effectiveness of preventive measures.
For example, a cohort study could be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing infection and reducing influenza-related complications. The study would follow a group of individuals who received the vaccine and compare their outcomes to a group that did not receive the vaccine. By tracking incidence rates and outcome measures, researchers can determine the vaccine’s efficacy and its impact on reducing the burden of influenza.
Another research approach in nursing is the randomized controlled trial (RCT). RCTs involve randomly assigning participants to different interventions or treatment groups and comparing their outcomes. In the context of influenza, an RCT could be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral medications in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.
Conclusion
Epidemiology and nursing research are essential in understanding and managing communicable diseases such as influenza. Epidemiological studies provide valuable insights into the transmission dynamics, risk factors, and seasonality of influenza, while the chain of infection model helps identify interventions to interrupt its spread. Nursing research applies scientific inquiry methods to generate knowledge that can inform evidence-based practice in preventing and managing influenza. By applying these concepts and approaches, healthcare professionals can enhance their understanding of communicable diseases and develop effective strategies for their control and prevention.