NR 586 Week 4 Application of Epidemiology Worksheet

Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases

Describe the Selected Geographic Region

The geographic area of focus is the United States of America (USA), a high-income country recognized for its advanced healthcare infrastructure and robust disease surveillance systems. The nation is home to a diverse population with significant socioeconomic variations and evident urban–rural health disparities. Agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a pivotal role in monitoring, preventing, and managing public health issues through extensive data collection and reporting. Despite broad healthcare access, the U.S. continues to face persistent challenges, including the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, vaccine hesitancy, and recurring public health emergencies such as pandemics.

Identify the Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases in the Region

In the United States, both infectious and chronic diseases contribute substantially to public health concerns. Infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Dengue fever, and Measles remain of particular significance. Alongside these, chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. These disease categories often intersect, as individuals with chronic health conditions are at increased risk of developing severe complications when exposed to infectious agents like the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Compare and Contrast the Prevalence of Diseases in the Selected Region with Disease Rates and Trends in a Different Geographic Area

For comparison, Africa serves as a contrasting geographic region characterized by distinct health challenges. The prevalence and impact of diseases in Africa are shaped largely by socioeconomic inequalities, limited healthcare infrastructure, and greater exposure to vector-borne illnesses. The following table presents a comparative overview of selected diseases between the United States and Africa.

Discuss the Variables that Contribute to the Noted Similarities and Differences

The similarities observed between the U.S. and Africa arise from the standardization of global public health measures under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO). Both regions implement similar strategies for disease control, including vaccination programs and infection prevention protocols.

Conversely, the differences stem from social determinants of health and structural disparities. African countries bear a higher disease burden due to poverty, overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, and under-resourced public health systems. Climatic conditions also contribute—vector-borne diseases such as Dengue flourish in tropical environments prevalent in Africa. Furthermore, inequitable vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the disparities, as the U.S. achieved mass vaccination early in 2020, while Africa faced significant delays (Kunyenje et al., 2023).

Application of the Epidemiological Model

Select and Describe One of the Prevalent Diseases Noted in the Previous Section

COVID-19 serves as the focus disease. Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, though airborne transmission is possible in enclosed spaces. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with high-risk groups—such as older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses—being more likely to experience hospitalization or death (World Health Organization, n.d.).

Discuss Physical and Social Determinants of Health that Influence the Disease Process

COVID-19 outcomes are shaped by both social and physical determinants:

• Social determinants: Poverty, limited access to healthcare, overcrowded living conditions, and food insecurity heighten vulnerability to infection and worsen outcomes, especially among marginalized populations (Abrams & Szefler, 2020).

• Physical determinants: Advanced age, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease), smoking, and unvaccinated status increase susceptibility to severe illness.

Identify and Explain One Epidemiological Model Applied to the Selected Disease

The Epidemiological Triangle Model is applied to COVID-19. It includes three interdependent elements that influence disease transmission (Caron, 2022):

• Agent: SARS-CoV-2 virus

• Host: Humans, with varying levels of susceptibility based on immunity and comorbid conditions

• Environment: External conditions such as air quality, sanitation, and crowding that either facilitate or hinder transmission

Apply the Epidemiological Model to the Selected Disease

When any of these components is modified—such as through vaccination or improved ventilation—the likelihood of transmission decreases significantly.

Levels of Prevention

Explain the Levels of Prevention Used Within Population Health Practice

Population health measures are organized into three levels of prevention (Kisling & Das, 2023):

• Primary prevention: Prevents disease before it occurs (e.g., vaccination, mask-wearing, hygiene education).

• Secondary prevention: Detects disease early to halt progression (e.g., testing, screening).

• Tertiary prevention: Reduces complications and enhances recovery (e.g., antiviral treatment, rehabilitation).

Discuss One Primary Prevention to Address the Disease

Primary prevention for COVID-19 focuses on vaccination, hand hygiene, and physical distancing. These strategies effectively reduce transmission rates and prevent outbreaks.

Discuss One Secondary Prevention to Address the Disease

Testing, including PCR and rapid antigen methods, serves as a secondary prevention strategy. It enables early detection and isolation, limiting community spread.

Discuss One Tertiary Prevention to Address the Disease

Tertiary prevention includes clinical management such as antiviral therapy, oxygen support, and long-term care for post-COVID conditions (long COVID). These interventions minimize complications and mortality rates.

Reflection

Describe How the Advanced Practice Nurse Can Monitor the Application and Efficacy of the Prevention Strategy

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) play a central role in evaluating prevention efforts. They can monitor vaccination uptake, assess patient adherence to preventive measures, and analyze infection data trends. Patient education and surveys also help assess behavioral compliance with hygiene and mask-wearing protocols (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024).

Discuss How You Will Apply the Identified Prevention Strategies in Your Practice

In professional practice, APNs can apply these strategies in several ways:

• Primary prevention: Educating patients about vaccination, mask use, and hygiene.

• Secondary prevention: Ensuring timely access to COVID-19 testing services.

• Tertiary prevention: Providing clinical care and follow-up for long COVID cases.

Reflect on What You Have Learned from This Assignment

This analysis highlights the intricate relationships between geography, healthcare access, and social determinants of health. While the United States benefits from advanced medical infrastructure, health disparities persist. In contrast, African nations encounter greater barriers due to poverty and healthcare inequities. As a future APN, I have learned the value of health equity, patient education, and policy advocacy in mitigating disease burdens and improving global health outcomes.

References

Abrams, E. M., & Szefler, S. J. (2020). COVID-19 and the impact of social determinants of health. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 8(7), 659–661. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30234-4

Africa CDC. (2021, November 2). Covid-19 daily updates. https://africacdc.org/covid-19/

Caron, R. M. (2022). Population health, epidemiology, and public health: Management skills for creating healthy communities (2nd ed.). Health Administration Press.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-b). Current year data (2024). https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/data-research/facts-stats/current-data.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-c). Dengue. https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html

Kisling, L., & Das, J. (2023). Prevention strategies. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537222/

Kunyenje, C. A., Chirwa, G. C., Mboma, S. M., Ng’ambi, W., Mnjowe, E., Nkhoma, D., Ngwira, L. G., Chawani, M. S., Chilima, B., Mitambo, C., Crampin, A., & Mfutso-Bengo, J. (2023). COVID-19 vaccine inequity in African low-income countries. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1087662. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1087662

NR 586 Week 4 Application of Epidemiology Worksheet

Rural Health Information Hub. (2024, January 17). Evaluation measures for health promotion and disease prevention programs. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/5/measures-for-evaluating

World Health Organization Africa. (n.d.). Dengue. https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/dengue

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Coronavirus. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus