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NRS 427 American Public Health Association (APHA)

NRS 427 American Public Health Association (APHA)

NRS 427 American Public Health Association (APHA)

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 StatementNRS 427 American Public Health Association (APHA)

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 Medicine93(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 disease7(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 disease7(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:

  1. Chickenpox
  2. Tuberculosis
  3. Influenza
  4. Mononucleosis
  5. Hepatitis B
  6. HIV

Epidemiology Paper Requirements

Include the following in your assignment:

  1. Description of the communicable disease (causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment) and thedemographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence).
  2. Describe the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.
  3. 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).
  4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, and follow-up).
  5. 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 is the scientific study of how frequently diseases occur in different groups of people and why. It is based on two fundamental assumptions. Firstly, it assumes the occurrence of the disease is not random because several factors concomitantly influence the likelihood of developing the disease (Stover et al., 2021). Further, it assumes the study of populations facilitates the recognition of the causes and preventive factors analogous with the disease. Communicable diseases refer to infectious diseases caused by different microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites that can be spread directly or indirectly from one individual to another. Many infectious diseases can be transmitted via bites from insects, while others are caused by ingesting contaminated substances such as food or fluids. Although several infectious diseases pose serious health risks to communities, HIV can never be underestimated. The purpose of this paper is to discuss HIV and apply epidemiology and nursing research concepts to this communicable disease.

Description of HIV as Chosen Communicable Disease

HIV is a retrovirus that destroys cells of the human immune system (mainly CD4-positive T-cells and macrophages), which are the cellular immune system’s critical components, and kills or impairs their role. Infection with this virus results from the progressive depletion of the immune system, leading to immunodeficiency (UNAIDS, 2021). The Human Immunodeficiency Virus comprises two strands of RNA, 15 types of viral proteins, and a few proteins from the last host cell it infected, all surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane. There are two categories of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 can be found worldwide, but HIV-2 is almost exclusively limited to West Africa. HIV-1 is transmitted more easily than HIV-2(UNAIDS, 2021). The advanced level of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is determined by developing certain malignancies, conditions, or other acute continuing clinical indications. HIV-1 infection progresses more rapidly to AIDS compared to HIV-2.

Causes of HIV

            A virus causes HIV through sexual contact or blood. In addition, transmission can occur from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. When the virus enters the blood, it destroys the white cells that provide the body with the ability to fight infections and disease (UNAIDS, 2021).

Symptoms

            The symptom of HIV varies and is determined by the phases of infection. Several people infected with HIV may manifest flu-like symptoms a few weeks after the entry of the virus. The likely symptoms at the acute stage may include fever, headache, skin rash, sore throat, and painful mouth sore. Similarly, swollen lymph glands, especially on the neck, muscle aches, joint pains, and diarrhea may manifest. In addition, the person could also manifest coughs, weight loss, and night sweats (UNAIDS, 2021). As the pathogen mutates in the blood and destroys the white cells at the symptomatic stage, the following symptoms may manifest Pneumonia, herpes zoster, thrush or oral yeast infection, fatigue, and fever. Furthermore, when the virus progresses to the stage of AIDS, the mentioned symptoms would manifest to be persistent and severe (UNAIDS, 2021).

Mode of Transmission

The predominant mode of HIV transmission is through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner. In addition, exposure of broken skin or wound to infected blood or body fluids. Similarly, transfusion with HIV-infected blood is another avenue for transmission (Stover et al., 2021). Moreover, when an individual is injected with contaminated objects like needles and unsterilized syringes or razorblades, the virus is likely to be transmitted. Furthermore, transmission can also occur from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (UNAIDS, 2021).

Complications               People infected with HIV who do not get proper treatment for HIV/AIDS develop a wasting syndrome accompanied by diarrhea, fever, and chronic weakness. In addition, individuals are likely to develop neurological complications as the virus reduces mental functioning. The difficulty includes kidney disease, such as the inflammation of kidney filters that remove excess fluid and waste from the blood to the urine. Similarly, there is the liver complication (UNAIDS, 2021).The other common infectious complications related to or due to HIV comprise Pneumonia that causes severe illness. The difficulty of thrush or candidiasis causes inflammation on various body parts, i.e., the mouth, tongue, and esophagus. Similarly, the other problematic condition is Tuberculosis, especially in developing countries(Mahy et al., 2021).Treatment               HIV has no cure but can be controlled through antiretroviral therapy. The treatment entails taking medicine that lessens the viral load in the blood. The medicine for HIV therapy is called antiretroviral (UNAIDS, 2021).The treatment involves a combination of everyday medications that prevent the virus from multiplying. The treatment aids protect the CD4 cells, keeping the immune system strong enough to combat infection and disease. The ART lowers the viral load and reduces the chance for transmissions from one person to another ((Mahy et al., 2021)Demographic- Prevalence

The global prevalence of HIV, according to UNAIDS (2021), estimates that about thirty-eight million people living with HIV. Women accounted for fifty-three percent of the number, while men accounted for forty-seven percent. Furthermore, two million are children between zero to nineteen years of age. In addition, data indicate that women aged fifteen years up to twenty-four years globally acquire HIV. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan females account for sixty-three percent of the newly acquired HIV infection. Women accounted for fifty –three percent. Similarly, in 2020, 1.5 million people contracted HIV globally (UNAIDS, 2021).

According to the UNAIDS report, the most affected populace with HIV is from developing countries. For instance, in 2020, east and southern African countries had twenty-seven million people infected with HIV, accounting for fifty-five percent of global infection. Moreover, Asia and Pacific regions had six million people infected, accounting for fifteen percent of global infection. In addition, western and central Africa had five million infected, accounting for thirteen percent. Moreover, North America and Central Europe had two million, accounting for six percent of the global infection prevalence (UNAIDS, 2021).

Reporting of HIV

The primary object for reporting is for public health authorities to know where several diseases are found in a population. The information helps them take steps to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard the community’s health. Further, it ensures linkage of care for any newly infected patients or continuation of care for earlier diagnosed patients(Stover et al., 2021). Moreover, timely monitoring presents trends in the epidemic and secures proper funding for local treatment and prevention services.HIV is a reportable condition that medical practitioners and pathology services must notify within five days of diagnosis to the HIV is reported only to the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program at the Department of Public Health.

Determinants of Health and Explanation of How Determinants Contribute to Disease Development

Social health factors are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. The social determinant includes factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to health care(Stover et al., 2021) The social factors of health can influence a person’s likelihood of acquiring HIV through influences on improper behavior, limited access to preventive measures, and limited access to healthcare providers or testing sites.

Studies show that abuse drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana have exacerbated the risk of HIV infection. Similarly, the use of drugs leads to confinement. The individuals under detention are reported to be engaging in unprotected sex leading to a high rate of HIV infection. Further, the social-economic status has contributed to the prevalence of HIV. The economically poor are more likely to get into unwarranted behaviors, e.g., indulging in commercial sex, thus risking and enhancing the infection of the virus (Mahy et al., 2021). Economically vulnerable women experience the scarcity of health-related resources in poor, under-served communities or villages where access to health care and condoms are not readily available(Mahy et al., 2021). These compounding social health determinants extrapolate the prevalence and the risk of acquiring the virus.

The Epidemiologic Triangle

The Epidemiologic Triangle is a tool that researchers employ in addressing the three constituents that contribute to the spread of infections or disease. The triple components comprise an external agent, a susceptible host, and an environment that brings the agent and host together (Mahy et al., 2021).The triangulation of HIV (causative agent) refers to factors and attributes of the virus that concomitantly aids its infection and spread on the host. Firstly, the nature of the subtype of the HIV Virus determines the extent of infection and spread. Studies show that HIV-I is easily transmitted due to its biological and chemical characteristics. To underscore, HIV-1 RT is a heterodimer composed of p66 and p51 subunits, with p66 harboring two functional, active sites: an N-terminal RNA- and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase and a C-terminal RNase H that digests the RNA component of RNA–DNA hybrids (De Almeida et al., 2021). Due to its nature, HIV -1, therefore, binds more efficiently and faster than HIV 2 with the receptor molecule CD4 on the cell surface.; thus having a higher capability to infect and spread rapidly. Similarly, the other exacerbating factors include having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis that enhance chances for infection.

The host triangulation characterizes the host (human) factors as those that help enhance infection and spread the virus. The factors include having unprotected sex, having a frequent change of partners or having sexual activity for financial gain, peer pressure, drug and substance abuse (Hershow et al., 2019). These behaviors aid in enhancing HIV infection and spread. Similarly, urban health studies have found that poverty and unemployment, vacant buildings, and high crime rates are concomitant with an increased risk of HIV infection. The Social economic factors such as lack of access to care, discrimination, stigma, homophobia, and poverty enhance higher rates of HIV infection. Studies from cosmopolitan and urban areas indicate that poverty, unemployment, and high crime rates increase the risk of HIV infection and spread (Hershow et al., 2019). In addition, viral load increases in the infected occur for reasons such as not taking antiretroviral medication consistently due to lack of access to ART.

Special Consideration

There are special considerations or notifications for the community regarding the triangulation of HIV. Communities affected by HIV usually do risky behaviors, including sexual activities without protection and sharing paraphernalia that contribute to HIV infection. HIV education can aid learners in schools and the community develop and maintain safer behaviors and reduce stigma and discrimination towards people affected by and living with HIV (Hershow et al., 2019).

Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data

Nurses play vital roles in educating patients about HIV, providing support for treatment adherence, and assisting with navigation of care delivery. APRNs, further, are positioned to provide ART directly, consistent with their state practice authority.The community health nurse has professional technical skills and knowledge that the community populace may not have; thus, the nurse has the role in ensuring the quality of community-based care(Stover et al., 2021). They form a significant component in delivering quality HIV services, including counseling, adherence support, development of a referral framework, and dissemination of information. They also have the role of reporting and HIV data collection.

Demographics are essential since they offer an exhaustive comprehension of a population’s various features. The provided information is particularly vital to government organizations and institutions for making crucial policy decisions concerning the people(Stover et al., 2021). Similarly, demographics data is critical as it gives the health authorities andpopulace information they need to strategies and implements future investments and services; data from sources such as the CDC and the US Census aids in determining where assistance programs need to be directed (UNAIDS, 2021)

National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease

The USAID is one of the major federal agencies that implement the PEPFAR core mandate. The USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS reinforces country-led efforts to combat the complex challenges of HIV in over fifty countries around the globe. The agency avails global leadership in developing projects and plans of actions that amplify impact. Similarly, it reinforces country-led programs and policies while at the same time administering USAID’s elaborate health and development skills and particularized HIV/AIDS technical capability(Stover et al., 2021). Further, the organization applies research, technology, and change to encourage cost-effective, sustainable, and judicious integrated HIV/AIDS interventions.

Global Implication of HIV

Notwithstanding the existence of treatment that can manage and mitigate the progression of HIV viral transmission, the virus remains a major leading cause of death and a health risk to millions globally. HIV is non-endemic; it is widespread globally. Different countries have put various strategies to mitigate the infection surge among their population. Techniques like the use of male and female condoms are encouraged by various governments. Further, voluntary medical male circumcision is agitated across the globe to minimize the chances of infection. (UNAIDS, 2021).Moreover, many countries use antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis, and treatment as prevention. Similarly, sex and reproductive health services are used to inform the population on the crucial knowledge that helps reduce infection of the virus (Stover et al., 2021).

Conclusion

HIV is a retrovirus that destroys cells of the human immune system, specifically the CD4-positive T-cells and macrophages. There are two types of HIV, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 can be found worldwide. In addition, the infection is non-endemic but widely spread. Further, it is caused by a virus that enters the blood and impairs the white cells. Moreover, the primary mode of HIV transmission is through contact with infected blood body fluids. In addition, people infected with HIV who do not get proper medication for HIV/AIDS develop diarrhea, fever, and chronic weakness. In addition, they are likely to develop complications like neurological malfunction, kidney, and liver, among others. UNAIDS 2021 report reveals that about thirty-eight million people live with HIV, of whom women are the majority with infection. Similarly, regionally, the Sub-Saharan countries lead with an infection of about twenty-seven million, accounting for 53% of the world infection as of 2020. Moreover, the condition is modifiable to the health authorities to help mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard the community’s health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

De Almeida, S. M., Rotta, I., Tang, B., Vaida, F., Letendre, S., Ellis, R. J., & HNRC Group. (2021). IgG intrathecal synthesis in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) according to the HIV-1 subtypes and pattern of HIV RNA in CNS and plasma compartments. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 355, 577542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577542

Hershow, R. B., Gonzalez, M., Costenbader, E., Zule, W., Golin, C., & Brinkley-Rubinstein, L. (2019). Medical providers and harm reduction view on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs. AIDS Education and Prevention, 31(4), 363-379. https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2019.31.4.363

Mahy, M. I., Sabin, K. M., Feizzadeh, A., & Wanyeki, I. (2021). Progress towards 2020 global HIV impact and treatment targets. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 24, e25779. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25779

Stover, J., Glaubius, R., Kassanjee, R., & Dugdale, C. M. (2021). Updates to the Spectrum/AIM model for the UNAIDS 2020 HIV estimates. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 24, e25778. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25778

UNAIDS (2021) epidemiological estimates.https://aidsinfo.unaids.org

 

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

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

11.5 points

Clinical description of the communicable disease and demographic of interest is provided. Summary is brief but accurate.

3. Satisfactory

11 points

Overview of the demographic of interest and clinical description of the communicable disease is presented with some inaccuracies of the clinical descriptors.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Demographic of interest and clinical description are omitted or presented with many inaccuracies.

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

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

11.5 points

Paper describes each determinant of health with a comprehensive discussion of their contribution to disease development and progression.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

10 points

Paper partially describes the determinants of health in relation to disease development.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Description of the determinants of health and their role in disease development is omitted or presented with many inaccuracies.

Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors

Criteria Description

Epidemiologic Triangle (Host Factors, Agent Factors, and Environmental Factors

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

23 points

The communicable disease is described accurately within the context of the epidemiologic triangle. A brief description of factors and interaction is presented.

3. Satisfactory

22 points

The communicable disease is described accurately and clearly within the context of the epidemiologic triangle.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Description of the epidemiologic triangle is omitted or presented with many inaccuracies.

Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data

Criteria Description

Role of the Community Health Nurse and Importance of Demographic Data

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

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.

National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease

Criteria Description

National Agency or Organization That Works to Addresses Communicable Disease

5. Excellent

12.5 points

An agency or organization is identified. A clear and accurate description of efforts to address communicable disease is offered.

4. Good

11.5 points

An agency or organization is identified, but discussion regarding efforts to address communicable disease is brief.

3. Satisfactory

11 points

An agency or organization is identified, but discussion regarding efforts to address communicable disease is lacking.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

10 points

An agency or organization is identified, but discussion is vague or inaccurate in relation to the communicable disease chosen.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Agency and description of contribution are omitted.

Global Implication

Criteria Description

Global Implication

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Global implication of the disease is omitted or unclear.

Thesis, Position, or Purpose

Criteria Description

Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience.

5. Excellent

6.25 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific audience.

4. Good

5.75 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately presented. An awareness of the appropriate audience is demonstrated.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

5 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is unfocused or confused. There is very little awareness of the intended audience.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is not discernible. No awareness of the appropriate audience is evident.

Development, Structure, and Conclusion

Criteria Description

Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development.

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

No advancement of the thesis, position, or purpose is evident. Connections between paragraphs are missing or inappropriate. No conclusion is offered.

Evidence

Criteria Description

Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives.

5. Excellent

6.25 points

Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Relevant perspectives of others are clearly considered.

4. Good

5.75 points

Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used.

3. Satisfactory

5.5 points

Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other perspectives is present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

5 points

Evidence is limited or irrelevant. The interpretation of other perspectives is superficial or incorrect.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evidence to support the thesis, position, or purpose is absent. The writing relies entirely on the perspective of the writer.

Mechanics of Writing

Criteria Description

Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc.

5. Excellent

2.5 points

No mechanical errors are present. Appropriate language choice and sentence structure are used throughout.

4. Good

2.3 points

Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used.

3. Satisfactory

2.2 points

Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

2 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout.

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.

5. Excellent

3.75 points

No errors in formatting or documentation are present.

4. Good

3.45 points

Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors.

3. Satisfactory

3.3 points

Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

3 points

Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided.

Total 125 points

Rubric Criteria

Total 125 points

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.