Posted: July 9th, 2022

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss concepts of epidemiology and apply nursing theories and research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC websites, all located in the topic Resources, for assistance when completing this assignment.
Choose a communicable disease topic from the resources mentioned above or you may select one from the list below:
Chickenpox
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Mononucleosis
Hepatitis B
HIV
Ebola
Measles
Polio
E. coli
Salmonella
Listeria
Hepatitis A
SARS-CoV-2
Monkeypox
Dengue
Botulism
Norovirus
Write a paper (1,000-1,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing to research a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC websites, located in the topic Resources, for assistance when completing this assignment.
Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence).
Explain why this is a reportable disease. Provide details about reporting criteria.
Describe the social determinants of health and how those factors contribute to the development of the chosen communicable 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.
Identify any special considerations or notifications for the epidemiologic triangle (community, schools, or general population).
Explain the importance of demographic data to community health.
Describe the role of the community health nurse in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention through tasks such as case finding, reporting, data collection, analysis, and follow-up. Provide an example of how Christian worldview can be integrated by a community health nurse when working with a population impacted by the communicable disease selected.
Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.
A minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references (i.e., professional health organizations like CDC, WHO, OSHA, DHS) is required.
—
The communicable disease of tuberculosis (TB). TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is primarily spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of TB include cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and night sweats. TB can be treated with antibiotics, but it is important to complete the full course of treatment to fully eradicate the bacteria. If left untreated, TB can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, kidney problems, and death.

TB disproportionately affects certain demographics, including people with HIV, those who are malnourished, and those who have weakened immune systems due to other illnesses. It is also more common in developing countries and in overcrowded living conditions. TB is a reportable disease in the United States, meaning that healthcare providers are required to report cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is important in tracking the spread of the disease and implementing prevention and control measures.

The social determinants of health, such as poverty, poor housing, and lack of access to healthcare, can contribute to the development of TB. These factors can lead to overcrowding and malnutrition, which increase the likelihood of transmission of the disease. TB can also be exacerbated by certain host factors, including HIV infection and other conditions that weaken the immune system. The presence of the TB bacterium is the agent factor in the epidemiological triangle. Environmental factors, such as poor ventilation, can also contribute to the spread of TB.

There are special considerations for TB in certain settings, such as schools and healthcare facilities. It is important for these institutions to have proper ventilation and infection control measures in place to prevent the spread of the disease. Demographic data is important in understanding the impact of TB on a community and in planning prevention and control measures.
The role of the community health nurse in addressing TB includes case finding, reporting cases to the CDC, collecting and analyzing data on TB cases, and providing follow-up care to ensure that patients complete their treatment. A Christian worldview can be integrated into the role of the community health nurse by providing holistic care that addresses not only the physical symptoms of TB, but also the social and emotional needs of the patient. This may include connecting patients with resources for housing, nutrition, and other social services.

One national organization that addresses TB is the CDC. The CDC works to prevent the spread of TB through activities such as surveillance and monitoring of TB cases, researching new prevention and control methods, and providing guidance to healthcare providers on TB management.

Globally, TB is a major public health issue, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in 2019. TB is prevalent in many developing countries, but it is also found in developed countries, particularly among marginalized populations. In some countries, TB is an endemic disease, meaning it is consistently present in the population at a high level. For example,