Application of Epidemiology

In population-focused practice, epidemiological principles can be applied to draw inferences about patterns and frequency of diseases and health conditions contributing to morbidity and mortality within a specified group. These disease trends provide insight into a population’s overall health and well-being. The purpose of this assignment is to identify and analyze epidemiological and population health data for a selected population to determine prevalent causes of infectious and chronic diseases. Population-focused strategies to address the identified issues will be examined at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the assignment. Contact your course faculty if you have questions. General Instructions Investigate population health and epidemiological data to learn about prevalent disease trends within your geographic region. (Massachusetts) (Essex County) Compare and contrast the prevalence of diseases in the selected region with disease rates and trends in a different geographic area of your choosing. Statistics from valid, reliable sources such as professional population health-focused organizations, governmental agencies, local and state health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are appropriate sources to validate assessment findings. 1. Download the Application of Epidemiology template. (UPLOADED) 2. Complete the Application of Epidemiology template to answer the questions related to your investigation. Use of this template is required. If the template is not used, a 10% deduction will be applied. See the rubric. Save the template and include your name in the file name. 3. Follow APA grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation rules consistent with formal, scholarly writing. 4. Use APA in-text citations and complete references to support your writing. Include the Following Sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric) 1. Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases * Describe the selected geographic region * Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region * Compare and contrast the prevalence of those diseases in a separate geographic region of your choosing, noting similarities and differences. * Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences. * Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing. 2. Application of the Epidemiological Model * Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section. * Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process. * Identify and explain one epidemiological model that will be applied to the selected disease (i.e., Epidemiological Triangle, Web of Causation, or another legitimate epidemiological model). * Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease in a well-developed, comprehensive manner, addressing the entire model. * Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing. 3. Levels of Prevention * Explain the levels of prevention used within population health practice. * Discuss one primary prevention to address the disease. * Discuss one secondary prevention to address the disease. * Discuss one tertiary prevention to address the disease. * Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing. 4. Reflection * Describe how the advanced practice nurse can monitor the application and efficacy of the prevention strategy. * Discuss how you will apply the identified prevention strategies in your practice. * Reflect on what you have learned from this assignment.