Epidemiology and Disease Factors

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes endemic occurrence of a disease?

Intermittent outbreaks of disease symptoms

An unusually large number of cases in a short period

Simultaneous occurrence across multiple countries

Constant occurrence of cases within a locality (correct)

Which factor is NOT considered an environmental factor in disease distribution?

Genetic predisposition (correct)

Physical environment

Biologic environment

Socio-economic environment

How is an epidemic defined?

Unusually large number of cases in a short timeframe (correct)

Occurrence of illness purely due to environmental factors

Continuous occurrence of the usual number of cases

Intermittent outbreaks over extended periods

What distinguishes a pandemic from other disease occurrences?

It involves several countries simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about inter-current diseases is true?

They occur intermittently without a direct relationship Signup and view all the answers

What role does socio-economic environment play in disease distribution?

It directly influences the occurrence of disease agents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of epidemiology in disease detection?

To understand the relationship between disease and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Why is a more acute disparity in epidemic cases concerning?

It signifies urgent and serious health problems Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the epidemiology nurse during a disease outbreak?

Engage in case findings and collection of laboratory specimens Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT part of the follow-up recommendations after a disease outbreak?

Providing financial assistance to all patients Signup and view all the answers

Which primary function involves monitoring health personnel during disease surveillance?

Implement public health surveillance Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of coordinating with the health team during an outbreak?

Accomplishing and maintaining records and reports Signup and view all the answers

What role does the epidemiology nurse play in community health education?

Organizes and conducts community health education campaigns Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of the Department of Health by 2030?

To be a global leader in health outcomes and systems Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is part of assisting during an outbreak investigation?

Assisting in rapid surveys and surveillance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key responsibility of the epidemiology nurse regarding health cases?

Following up cases and contacts for better tracking Signup and view all the answers

What should subjective data include during a health assessment?

Direct quotes from the client regarding their health status Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT generally included in local factors affecting health?

Family history of diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in a Community Health Needs Assessment?

Profiling the relevant information about health status Signup and view all the answers

What type of language should be avoided when documenting assessment data?

Generalizations like 'good' or 'fair' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a local factor affecting health?

Work and employment conditions Signup and view all the answers

What role does communication play in the nursing process?

It aids in the formation of nursing diagnoses and interventions Signup and view all the answers

How should health behaviors, such as smoking, be documented?

Clearly and specifically as part of the health assessment Signup and view all the answers

What results from the evaluation stage of health outcomes?

Determination of the effectiveness of previously implemented plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of a comprehensive community diagnosis?

To gain insight into the general health conditions and risk factors of the community. Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical approach is commonly used to determine the average in community health analysis?

Mean Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT considered when analyzing demographic variables in a community diagnosis?

Cultural practices Signup and view all the answers

What does the standard deviation indicate in the context of community health nursing?

It indicates the dispersion of a set of data points. Signup and view all the answers

In community health nursing, the percentile method is often preferred due to its ability to:

Summarize large data sets succinctly. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase in community diagnosis involves detailing activities to meet set objectives?

Preparation stage Signup and view all the answers

What impact do economic circumstances have on health according to the provided content?

They are associated with high rates of illness and death among poorer sectors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of health inequalities in community health?

They highlight the differences in health outcomes based on socio-economic status. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect the nurse must understand before entering a community?

The cultural practices and lifestyle of the people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of partnership and collaboration within a community?

To get people to work together to address common concerns Signup and view all the answers

Which phase involves the formation of a core group within community organization?

Organizational phase Signup and view all the answers

How is networking defined in the context of community organizations?

A relationship based on exchanging information about goals and services Signup and view all the answers

What activity is essential during the social preparation phase of community organization?

Spotting and developing potential leaders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is not mentioned as part of valuable working relationships to maintain in a community?

Political action committees Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of living among the community members?

Understanding their hardships and sharing aspirations Signup and view all the answers

What does the education and training phase primarily entail?

A small amount of time with significant impact Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inter-Current or Pre-Existing Disease

There is no clear relationship between inter-current or pre-existing disease and other factors
These diseases occur intermittently over time

Human Behavior

Human behavior can influence the existence of a disease agent, one’s exposure to it, or susceptibility to the agent

Environmental Factors

These are extrinsic factors that influence disease
Physical environment, biological environment, and socio-economic environment all play a role

Disease Distribution

The methods and techniques of epidemiology are used to determine the cause of a disease based on characteristics of the person with the disease or the environment
Population and environment of different times or places are not similar

Epidemic Occurrence

This refers to a situation with an unusually large number of cases within a short period
The more disproportionate the relationship between number of cases and the period of occurrence, the more urgent and serious the problem

Pandemic

This is the simultaneous occurrence of an epidemic of the same disease in several countries

Functions of the Epidemiology Nurse

Implement public health surveillance
Monitor local health personnel conducting disease surveillance
Conduct and/or assist in outbreak investigation
Assist in rapid surveys and surveillance during disasters
Assist in the conduct of surveys, program evaluation, and other epidemiological studies
Communicate findings
Participate in case findings and laboratory specimen collection
Isolate cases of communicable disease
Render nursing care, teach and supervise care
Perform and teach household members concurrent and terminal disinfection
Give health teachings to prevent further spread of disease
Follow up cases and contacts
Organize, coordinate, and conduct community health education campaigns/meetings
Refer cases when necessary
Coordinate with other concerned community agencies
Accomplish and keep records and reports and submits to the proper office/agency

Department of Health by 2030

Aims to be a global leader for attaining better health outcomes, competitive and responsive healthcare systems, and equitable healthcare access

Subjective Data

This refers to what the client states about his health status
This data is essential for patient assessment and intervention

Documentation of Assessment Data

Subjective information should be indicated by quotation marks
Objective assessments should not use generalizations like “good”, “normal”, or “fair”
Information should be recorded completely, objectively, and concisely

Steps to Community Health Needs Assessment

Profiling is the collection of relevant information about the health of the population
Deciding on priorities for action
Planning public health and healthcare programs to address priority issues
Implementing the planned activities
Evaluating health outcomes

Health Inequalities

Disease and illness patterns are closely associated with economic circumstances
High rates of death and illness are common among poor sectors of society

Community Diagnosis

Determining community health status is a process called community assessment
Community organizing refers to a process in which the community is able to sustain development activities
The nurse must build relationships with people in the community such as people’s organizations, health organizations, educational institutions, the local government units, financial institutions, religious groups, socio-civic organizations, sectoral groups, etc.

Networking

This is a relationship among organizations where each entity shares information about its goals, objectives, services, facilities, etc.

Types of Community Diagnosis

Comprehensive community diagnosis: aims to collect general information about the community to determine prevalent health conditions and risk factors, lifestyle behaviors and attitudes, and socioeconomic conditions.

Elements of a Comprehensive Community Diagnosis

Demographic variables: This analysis should show the size, composition, and geographical distribution of a population.

Entry into the Community

Basic information about the area in relation to the cultural practices and lifestyles of the people must be known before entry into the community.
Establishing rapport with the community is important
Living in the community and sharing hardships and aspirations can build trust and cooperation.

Phases of Community Organization

Organization Phase:
- Social Preparation
- Spotting and Developing Potential Leaders
- Core Group Formation
- Setting up the community organization
Education and Training Phase
- Education and training phase

Statistical Approaches

Central Tendencies:
- Mean: Average
- Median: Range (highest – lowest score)
- Mode: Frequency of occurrence of a variable (used if there are too many variables)
Standard Deviation: Used if there are too many variables (seldom used in CHN)
Percentile (%) Method: Most commonly used in CHN

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of epidemiology, including the impact of inter-current diseases, human behavior, and environmental factors on disease distribution and epidemic occurrence. Explore how different elements interplay in determining the spread of diseases in populations.