Essay Instructions: Epidemiology Paper
Overview
A documented formal paper on an epidemiological problem found in Community
Health Nursing (CHN) Practice will be completed according to the timeframe identified in the syllabus. The paper will incorporate the role of the CHN, the
epidemiological model (triad), the three levels of prevention and how they are used to control or resolve the problem, and a theoretical framework which is applied to
define approaches to dealing with the problem.
Required Format
APA (5th Edition).
1. A minimum of 6 current (within the past 5 years) references must be used and
included in the reference list. Professional journals, information gained from
the internet, and BSN level textbooks are appropriate; some of each type
should be used and listed.
Order of the Paper
Each heading and subheading must be addressed and labeled in the order
identified below.
Abstract
Introduction (NOTE: Because the introduction is clearly identified by its
position in the paper, it is not labeled as such. )
Epidemiological Problem
A. Description of the Problem
B. The Agent
C. The Host
D. The Environment
E. Interrelatedness of Agent, Host, and Environment
F. Data
Impact of the Problem (on the)
A. Individual
B. Family
C. Group, Community, Society
Role of the CHN (with the)
A. Individual
1. Primary Prevention level
2. Secondary Prevention level
3. Tertiary Prevention level
B. Family
1. Primary Prevention level
2. Secondary Prevention level
3. Tertiary Prevention level
C. Group, Community, and Society
1. Primary Prevention level
2. Secondary Prevention level
3. Tertiary Prevention level
D. Theory (or Conceptual Model)
Summary/Conclusions
The information below is intended to further clarify requirements for the formal epidemiology paper.
Abstract - A brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the paper
Introduction - Presents the specific problem and answers specific questions about it. In a paragraph or two, by summarizing the relevant problem, the data, and why it is important to study and control the problem, the reader is given a firm sense of information that was included and why.
Epidemiological Problem
A. Description of the Problem - Fully address the problem including
all relevant historical and other information about it.
B. Agent
1. What activates this agent?
2. Does it become dormant then is reactivated by some
mechanism?
3. How is the agent transferred to the human population?
4. Does it require that humans "find" the agent by
traveling to its environment?
5. Does the agent find certain types of people in any
location?
C. Risk Factors for the Host
1. What do people do to come in contact with or become infected by this agent?
2. Are there activities (such as immunizations) that can prevent infection?
D. Risk Factors for the Environment
1. What is it about the environment that supports the agent influencing or infecting the host?
2. If the problem is endemic, why?
E. Interrelatedness of Agent, Host, and Environment - include
information about the epidemiological triad and apply to this
particular problem
F. Data - Include incidence and prevalence rates at the local, state,
and national levels.
Impact of Problem
. When discussing the impact of the problem on the individual,
family, group, community, society think (and write) in systems
terms.
. Consider actual and potential concerns.
. What happens in the family when one member becomes ill with
this condition? Who takes up his or her role? Will it be for a long time because recovery from this illness is lengthy?
. Consider what this illness will mean to the family financially,
socially, psychologically, as caregivers?
. What if a number of families are affected by this disease? What
will that mean to individual family members, to the community, to
society?
. How will the community health/welfare/health care systems
support the families?
. If there is an epidemic of this illness, what local
resources will be needed?
. Are there enough resources and services available to cope with the
demand?
Role of the Community Health Nurse (CHN)
Related to this condition, consider the role of the CHN
with the:
1. individual as client
2. family as client
3. group and community as client
Discuss possible CHN concerns and interventions with each of the three client levels.
How do the approaches to interventions differ with each level? For example: an individual might be taught in a one to one situation with handouts; a family by planning a family meeting and discussing the issue with the group; a community through newspaper articles, TV spots, posters, etc.
levels of Prevention
Describe how each of the three levels of prevention can be applied to the individual, the family, the community in preparing/planning interventions to cope with this health
th reat.
Theory or Conceptual Model - Relevant Theory or Conceptual Model used to guide formulation of the CHN role; address why this theory or conceptual model is appropriate to use and how it helps in controlling or resolving this particular epidemioloqical problem.
1. Pick a simple, easily applied theory to provide a framework
for CHN thinking and program planning.
2. Discuss how the theory or conceptual model applies to
the individual, the family, and the community; discuss why it
is appropriate to use in this situation.
Summary/Conclusions