Posted: October 19th, 2023

Apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing to research a communicable disease.

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.

1. Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence).
2. Explain why this is a reportable disease. Provide details about reporting criteria. 
3. Describe the social determinants of health and how those factors contribute to developing the chosen communicable disease. 
4. 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.
5. Identify any special considerations or notifications for the epidemiologic triangle (community, schools, or general population).
6. Explain the importance of demographic data to community health.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.