Write a scholarly paper in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Choose one communicable disease. Epidemiology Paper Requirements Include the following in your assignment: A minimum of three references is required. The written essay should be at least 1250 words in length.
Title: Epidemiology and Nursing Research Application in the Context of Tuberculosis
Introduction:
Infectious diseases pose a significant health burden worldwide, and understanding their epidemiology is vital for effective prevention and control. This paper applies the principles of epidemiology and nursing research to the communicable disease Tuberculosis (TB). TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a global public health concern. By exploring the epidemiology, risk factors, and research approaches associated with TB, this paper seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge base and facilitate evidence-based interventions.
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis:
The epidemiology of TB involves studying the distribution, determinants, and control of the disease within populations. Various aspects encompass the study of TB epidemiology, including incidence and prevalence rates, disease transmission, and risk factors. TB has a global distribution, with the highest burden found in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10 million people developed TB in 2019, with 1.4 million deaths attributed to the disease (WHO, 2020).
Risk Factors for Tuberculosis:
Several risk factors contribute to the transmission and acquisition of TB. The most important risk factor is close contact with an infectious TB patient. Other factors include living in crowded or poorly ventilated environments, malnutrition, immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV/AIDS), substance abuse, and inadequate access to healthcare services (World Health Organization, 2020). Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are particularly susceptible to developing active TB disease upon exposure.
Nursing Research in Tuberculosis:
Nursing research plays a key role in advancing knowledge about TB prevention, treatment, and management. It involves the systematic collection and analysis of data to improve nursing practices, inform decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes. Within the context of TB, nursing research aims to develop evidence-based interventions, evaluate healthcare programs, and identify factors influencing the disease’s spread and impact.
Quantitative Research in Tuberculosis:
Quantitative research methods are widely used in TB epidemiology and nursing research. These methods involve the collection of numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical techniques. For instance, researchers may employ case-control studies to compare the frequency of specific risk factors among individuals with active TB disease and healthy controls. Additionally, cohort studies can investigate the incidence and progression of TB in specific populations over time.
One example of a quantitative nursing research study related to TB is a study by Huang et al. (2020). The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the impact of comorbidities on TB treatment outcomes in Taiwan. The study utilized a large administrative healthcare database, analyzing data from over 49,000 TB cases. The findings indicated that comorbidities such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease were associated with worse treatment outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing these factors.
Qualitative Research in Tuberculosis:
Qualitative research methods provide valuable insights into the experiences, perceptions, and behavior of individuals affected by TB. These methods involve collecting and interpreting non-numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, and observation. Qualitative research in TB nursing explores various aspects, including patient adherence to treatment, healthcare-seeking behavior, and barriers to accessing care.
For example, a qualitative study conducted by Munro et al. (2015) explored the experiences of healthcare workers in South Africa regarding the diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant TB. The study employed semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and identified several barriers, including limited resources, insufficient infection control measures, and challenges in coordinating care for patients.
Conclusion:
The application of epidemiology and nursing research is crucial in understanding and combating the spread of communicable diseases like TB. By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods, healthcare professionals can develop evidence-based interventions, improve patient outcomes, and drive policy changes. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of TB, coupled with knowledge derived from nursing research, can contribute to effective prevention and control strategies for this global health threat.