Module 5: Epidemiology and Health Promotion Flashcards
How does the epidemiology process to guide community health practice ?
Health practitioners face the task of using the results of epidemiological research to influence citizens to change or enhance their ADLs to actively promote maximum health, while recognizing that the individual and group may well influence people in other directions.
• Modern CHNs also have the advantages of access to strong data, government and societal interest in health, and a better-educated populace.
Define Epidemiology
is the study of the occurrence and distribution of health-related states or events in populations, including the study of influencing determinants, and the application of this knowledge to control health problems
Purpose of epidemiology is
to describe, explain, predict, and control challenges to population health.
discuss the epidemiologic process
- Epidemiologists first seek to describe health related events by answering who, what, when, and where, and by following trends in the population
- Further explorations expand descriptions by answering the how and why, and by examining causality and modes of transmission. From this information come predictions that guide interventions and the use of healthcare resources. Finally, controls are implemented to prevent new illness; cure, if possible, those who are ill; and rehabilitate or prevent complications for those with chronic disease.
Association occurs when there is reasonable evidence that a connection exists between a
stressor or environmental factor and a disease or health challenge
Causation: an association that has been confirmed beyond a doubt and there is a definite, statistical, cause-and-effect relationship between a particular stimulus and the occurrence of a specific disease or health challenge.
• In establishing causality, two important concepts are necessary and sufficient, what are they?
a particular stressor must be present before a given effect can occur and sufficient (the amount of exposure required to result in the disease
Epidemiologic triangle: a means to classify communicable disease by examining the relationship between…
and explain its relevance to community health nursing
host (the human being in which the disease occurs)
the agent (a contagious or non-contagious force causing or prolonging health problems)
environment (the context that exposes the host to the agent)
- To prevent the disease, it is necessary to modify one or more of the elements on the corners of the triangle (i.e. immunization of the host, eliminating the agent by disinfecting a room, developing a protective environment by wearing protective equipment)
Assess the role of immunizations in the minimization of communicable diseases
- Goal of the immunization program: elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases (such as measles, mumps, rubella etc.)
- Immunization is accepted as the most successful health intervention
Describe the role of practical nurses who work in the community in controlling communicable diseases
CHNs break the chain of infection by various methods (i.e. immunization, prophylaxis, education, etc.)
• CHNs working with the medical officer of health are responsible for monitoring and reporting communicable disease occurrences in the community
• The practice of infection control and familiarity with infection control policies and practices within facilities are essential for CHNs.
• Nurses are at the front line of defense against transmission
• Using routine precautions with every patient prevents transmission of organisms that cause infections
• The main primary prevention measures for controlling communicable disease include:
o Promoting and implementing immunization programs, notifying contacts, and making referrals for follow-up diagnosis;
o Providing chemoprophylaxis and antitoxins for prevention of disease;
o Working with public health authorities and community partners concerning protective and control measures for communicable diseases; and
o Educating the public on safe sexual practices, optimal nutrition, health environments for better air quality and sanitation, and use of preventive measures such as universal precautions
Secondary prevention measures include:
o Screening, which includes case finding, referral, and mass screening early detection
o Early diagnosis
o Early treatment, which includes provision of antimicrobial medications for newly diagnosed contacts
o Teaching for medication and treatment compliance (including provision of supportive care, such as diet, rest, and exercise, and teaching side effects of medications)
o Advocacy for accessible diagnostic and treatment services for socially disadvantaged groups (such as the poor, the underhoused, and people with language and cultural barriers)
Tertiary prevention measures aim to reduce the extent and severity of the health problems in order to minimize complications by
o Educating and monitoring treatment compliance to prevent complications
o Monitoring effectiveness of treatment and identifying and referring for adverse effects
