NRS 427 Benchmark Assignment Epidemiology Paper Essay
NRS 427 Benchmark Assignment Epidemiology Paper Essay
People’s productivity depends on their health statuses, and it is crucial to keep health at an optimal level always. Disappointingly, many problems hampering care provision at the global, state, and community levels make it challenging to achieve the optimization required. For instance, the world’s global warming level keeps on rising, risking the populace’s health. Due to the far-reaching effects of such problems, public health policies usually play a fundamental role in controlling the magnitude of damage and remedy situations. The declining state of air quality in California due to pollution is a worrying issue that can be remedied through policy interventions.
Policy Health Issue: Description
The respiratory system functions at the best level required when people breathe fresh air. Despite this general fact, not many people are guaranteed quality air as pollution levels increase progressively. As highlighted in the American Public Health Association (APHA) website, climate change over the years has been increasing ground-level ozone and other types of air pollution, and the state of California is among the most affected. Frankly, the entire population is affected, but the damage is more severe among older people due to their low immunity levels (Simoni et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2015). They appear the most affected since the direct consequences of air pollution such as air toxics and particulate matter increase their hospitalization and infection with asthma and bronchitis. California has eight out of the ten most polluted cities in the United States (American Lung Association, 2020). This figure implies that the problem is critical in California, and more interventions to supplement the current frameworks are crucial.
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Problem Statement
The environment plays an instrumental role in keeping people healthy. Food production and quality of air depend, to a large extent, on the climatic patterns. When climate change is unfavorable, the entire population faces considerable risks, which typifies what has been happening in California. According to Cart (2020), air pollution has been worsening over time; its severity can be confirmed because staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic has not decreased it to the level required in any notable way. Emissions that increase the danger have been increasing over time too. Sommer et al. (2020) noted that emissions, combined with hot and stagnant weather, make air pollution hit dangerous levels, particularly in the summer, leading to a scenario where California does not comply with federal air standards. Such situations need robust policies to remedy.
The current situation and notable efforts show that there has been an effort to reduce air toxicity in California, but there is a lot to be done. The extent of danger is greater than the control measures. For instance, pollution reductions under the Clean Air Act have prevented approximately 205,000 premature deaths (Revesz & Lienke, 2016). However, the general objective of policies and supplementary laws should be to accomplish a state where every population segment is safe. Policies should further protect the most vulnerable, which does not happen in California.
The Current Policy: Breathing Fresh Act of California
From a general viewpoint, this policy is anchored on the idea principle that a policy should define a vision for the future. The Breathing Fresh Act follows a similar concept with the Clean Air Act but improves when it comes to reviewing. Unlike requiring the state to review its environmental protection guidelines after eight years like the Clean Air Act, the Breathing Fresh Act will obligate the state to review its rules every three years. Furthermore, all organizations should have elaborate social responsibility programs centered on environmental protection while concentrating on making the air free from pollution.
Initiating this policy follows the general procedure of policymaking. The first step is identifying the need, which has already been done. The damaging effect of toxic air should be minimized to health-friendly levels. The second step is delegating responsibility. A team should work on it to develop ways in which the authorities will be reached and informed. After that, a draft policy will be composed, followed by consultation with appropriate stakeholders. Here, the target stakeholders are the politicians and other government officials, particularly the Senator, who can sponsor the recommendations as a bill. The main budgetary consideration to make is how to print copies of the act and distribute it to influential individuals at the community level.
Impact on the Health Care Delivery System
Health care provision is centered on a patient-centered practice that prioritizes quality. In agreement with Bhatt and Bathija (2018), one way of ensuring that people get quality care is by reducing infections as much as possible and protecting the vulnerable populations with more resources. Health care providers should never be overburdened too. Implementing the Breath Fresh Act implies that the California health care fraternity and the government are committed to reducing respiratory infections in the state. Doing so will keep everyone safe from such infections and ensure that the state’s productivity does not decline as industrialization that increases air pollution grows at all levels.
Admittedly, no state can guarantee its people total protection from illnesses. Challenges must emerge often, and environmental damage has been a leading source of public health problems. In California, air quality has been declining due to continuous pollution, causing diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. The proposed policy recognizes the need for practical and long-lasting solutions to such problems. It is hoped to make a massive impact on keeping people productive at the community, state, and national levels.
References
American Lung Association. (2020, Apr 21). Nearly half of US breathing unhealthy air; record-breaking air pollution in nine cities. Eureka Alert!. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-04/ala-nho041720.php
Bhatt, J., & Bathija, P. (2018). Ensuring access to quality health care in vulnerable communities. Academic Medicine, 93(9), 1271-1275. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000002254
Cart, J. (2020, Apr 12). As Californians stay at home, air quality improves – for now. Cal Matters. https://calmatters.org/health/2020/04/as-californians-stay-at-home-air-quality-improves-for-now/
Chen, Z., Salam, M. T., Eckel, S. P., Breton, C. V., & Gilliland, F. D. (2015). Chronic effects of air pollution on respiratory health in Southern California children: findings from the Southern California Children’s Health Study. Journal of thoracic disease, 7(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.12.20
Revesz, R. L., & Lienke, J. (2016). Struggling for air: Power plants and the “war on coal”. Oxford University Press.
Simoni, M., Baldacci, S., Maio, S., Cerrai, S., Sarno, G., & Viegi, G. (2015). Adverse effects of outdoor pollution in the elderly. Journal of thoracic disease, 7(1), 34–45. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.12.10
Sommer, L., Hersher, R., Jingnan, H., & Beniscasa, R. (2020, May 19). Traffic Is Way Down Because Of Lockdown, But Air Pollution? Not So Much. NPR.
Details:
In a written paper of 1,200-1,500 words, apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease.
Communicable Disease Selection
Choose one communicable disease from the following list:
- Chickenpox
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza
- Mononucleosis
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Include the following in your assignment:
- Description of the communicable disease (causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment) and thedemographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence).
- Describe the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.
- Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. (The textbook describes each element of the epidemiologic triangle).
- Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, and follow-up).
- Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organization(s) contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
A minimum of three references is required.
Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain.”
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.
Epidemiology Paper – Rubric
Comprehensive Description of a Communicable Disease and the Demographic of Interest
Criteria Description
Comprehensive Description of a Communicable Disease and the Demographic of Interest
Determinants of Health and Explanation of How Determinants Contribute to Disease Development
Criteria Description
Determinants of Health and Explanation of How Determinants Contribute to Disease Development
Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors
Criteria Description
Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors
Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data
Criteria Description
Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data
National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease
Criteria Description
National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease
Global Implication
Criteria Description
Global Implication
Thesis, Position, or Purpose
Criteria Description
Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience.
Development, Structure, and Conclusion
Criteria Description
Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development.
Evidence
Criteria Description
Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives.
Mechanics of Writing
Criteria Description
Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc.
Format/Documentation
Criteria Description
Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline.
Rubric Criteria
|
Criterion |
1. Unsatisfactory |
2. Less Than Satisfactory |
3. Satisfactory |
4. Good |
5. Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Development, Structure, and Conclusion Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development. |
0 points No advancement of the thesis, position, or purpose is evident. Connections between paragraphs are missing or inappropriate. No conclusion is offered. |
5 points Writing lacks logical progression of the thesis, position, or purpose. Some organization is attempted, but ideas are disconnected. Conclusion is unclear and not supported by the overall development of the purpose. |
5.5 points Limited advancement of thesis, position, or purpose is discernable. There are inconsistencies in organization or the relationship of ideas. Conclusion is simplistic and not fully aligned to the development of the purpose. |
5.75 points The thesis, position, or purpose is advanced in most aspects. Ideas clearly build on each other. Conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. |
6.25 points The thesis, position, or purpose is logically advanced throughout. The progression of ideas is coherent and unified. A clear and logical conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. |
|
Determinants of Health and Explanation of How Determinants Contribute to Disease Development Determinants of Health and Explanation of How Determinants Contribute to Disease Development |
0 points Description of the determinants of health and their role in disease development is omitted or presented with many inaccuracies. |
10 points Paper partially describes the determinants of health in relation to disease development. |
11 points Paper identifies the determinants of health in relation to the communicable disease selected but does not include an explanation of their role in the development of disease. |
11.5 points Paper describes each determinant of health with a comprehensive discussion of their contribution to disease development and progression. |
12.5 points Paper comprehensively discusses the determinants of health in relation to the communicable disease, explains their contribution to disease development, and provides evidence to support main points. |
|
National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease |
0 points Agency and description of contribution are omitted. |
10 points An agency or organization is identified, but discussion is vague or inaccurate in relation to the communicable disease chosen. |
11 points An agency or organization is identified, but discussion regarding efforts to address communicable disease is lacking. |
11.5 points An agency or organization is identified, but discussion regarding efforts to address communicable disease is brief. |
12.5 points An agency or organization is identified. A clear and accurate description of efforts to address communicable disease is offered. |
|
Evidence Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives. |
0 points Evidence to support the thesis, position, or purpose is absent. The writing relies entirely on the perspective of the writer. |
5 points Evidence is limited or irrelevant. The interpretation of other perspectives is superficial or incorrect. |
5.5 points Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other perspectives is present. |
5.75 points Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used. |
6.25 points Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Relevant perspectives of others are clearly considered. |
|
Comprehensive Description of a Communicable Disease and the Demographic of Interest Comprehensive Description of a Communicable Disease and the Demographic of Interest |
0 points Demographic of interest and clinical description are omitted or presented with many inaccuracies. |
10 points Limited and/or vague summary of demographic of interest and communicable disease is provided. Overview does not offer a clear representation of information necessary for epidemiological study. |
11 points Overview of the demographic of interest and clinical description of the communicable disease is presented with some inaccuracies of the clinical descriptors. |
11.5 points Clinical description of the communicable disease and demographic of interest is provided. Summary is brief but accurate. |
12.5 points Overview describing the demographic of interest and clinical description of the communicable disease is presented with a thorough, accurate, and clear overview of all of the clinical descriptors. |
|
Mechanics of Writing Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc. |
0 points Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout. |
2 points Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent. |
2.2 points Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted. |
2.3 points Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used. |
2.5 points No mechanical errors are present. Appropriate language choice and sentence structure are used throughout. |
|
Thesis, Position, or Purpose Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience. |
0 points The thesis, position, or purpose is not discernible. No awareness of the appropriate audience is evident. |
5 points The thesis, position, or purpose is unfocused or confused. There is very little awareness of the intended audience. |
5.5 points The thesis, position, or purpose is discernable in most aspects but is occasionally weak or unclear. There is limited awareness of the appropriate audience. |
5.75 points The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately presented. An awareness of the appropriate audience is demonstrated. |
6.25 points The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific audience. |
|
Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors |
0 points Description of the epidemiologic triangle is omitted or presented with many inaccuracies. |
20 points The communicable disease is described with some inaccuracies within the epidemiologic triangle. A visual description of the factors and interaction is not present. |
22 points The communicable disease is described accurately and clearly within the context of the epidemiologic triangle. |
23 points The communicable disease is described accurately within the context of the epidemiologic triangle. A brief description of factors and interaction is presented. |
25 points The communicable disease is described thoroughly, accurately, and clearly within an epidemiological triangle. A visual description of the triangle and how the components of the model interact is included. |
|
Global Implication Global Implication |
0 points Global implication of the disease is omitted or unclear. |
10 points A discussion of the global implication of the disease is vague, with no integration of how this is addressed in other countries or cultures and if the disease is endemic to a particular area. An example is not provided. |
11 points A discussion of the global implication of the disease is limited, with some integration of how this is addressed in other countries or cultures and if the disease is endemic to a particular area. An example is provided. |
11.5 points A discussion of the global implication of the disease is clear, with a comprehensive description of how this is addressed in other countries or cultures and if the disease is endemic to a particular area. An example is provided. |
12.5 points A discussion of the global implication of the disease is clear, comprehensive, and inclusive with a comprehensive description of how this is addressed in other countries or cultures and if the disease is endemic to a particular area. An example is provided. |
|
Format/Documentation Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline. |
0 points Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided. |
3 points Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident. |
3.3 points Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors. |
3.45 points Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors. |
3.75 points No errors in formatting or documentation are present. |
|
Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data |
0 points Discussion of the role of the community health nurse is omitted or unclear. An explanation of why demographic data are necessary to community health is omitted or unclear. |
20 points Discussion of the role of the community health nurse is vague, with no integration of case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, or follow-up skills. An incomplete explanation of why demographic data are necessary to community health is provided. |
22 points Discussion of the role of the community health nurses is limited, with a brief overview of skills associated with community assessment and planning. An explanation of why demographic data are necessary to community health is summarized. |
23 points Discussion of the role of community health nurse is clear, with a comprehensive description of skills associated with community assessment and planning. An explanation of why demographic data are necessary to community health is presented. |
25 points Discussion of the role of the community health nurse is clear, comprehensive, and inclusive of the community nurse’s responsibilities to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention through tasks such as case finding, reporting, data collection and analysis, and follow-up. A clear explanation of the importance of demographic data to community health is presented. |