In a 1,000-1,250-word paper, apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing to research a communicable disease. Address the following: Provide an overview of the chosen communicable disease with emphasis on mode of transmission and demographic of interest, including whether or not the disease selected is reportable. Apply the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Describe the role of the community health nurse in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention through tasks such as case finding and contact tracing, reporting, data collection, analysis, and follow-up. Identify at least one national patient safety resource or initiative that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the resource or initiative contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease at the point of care. Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Identify changes in conditions that might indicate a public health emergency related to this communicable disease. Cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references (e.g., professional health organizations like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], World Health Organization [WHO], Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS]). Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

  

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Benchmark Information

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:

RN-BSN

3.6: Advance preparedness to protect population health during disasters and public health emergencies.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competencies 1.1, 3.4, 3.6, 5.2, and 6.1
Expert Answer and Explanation
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis

Out of the 55.4 million cases of mortality that the World Health Organization (WHO) reported to have died in 2019, 13.7 million cases were attributed to the infectious diseases (WHO, 2020). One of the unique attributes associated with these diseases is that different pathogenic microorganisms are involved in their transmission. Given this attribute, the choice of the intervention for a communicable disease, depends on the type of pathogen that causes the disease. If one has a Hepatitis B which is linked to Hepatitis B virus, for instance, a physician may recommend Bulevirtide.

While various communicable illnesses are worth examining, it is more important to examine Tuberculosis because it is highly infectious, and is associated with a wide range of illnesses (Esmail et al., 2022). For instance, being diabetic increases one’s susceptibility to disease. This underscores the need for people to be educated about the disease including its epidemiologic triangle and the resource that can help address it.

Overview of the Communicable Disease

Mode of Transmission

An individual can either have a latent or active TB, and unlike the latent TB, the active form of the disease is characterized by the presence of the TB pathogens deep inside the lungs, making the TB bacterial infection is highly contagious. However, the lifespan of the TB infection begins with the exposure stage in which the bacteria remain undetectable and it occurs during the initial stages of coming into contact with the infected person (Esmail et al., 2022). This contact results when an individual sings, laughs or speaks, releasing droplets of infected salvia, mucus or phlegm which another person inhales. Therefore, transmission of the disease occurs through air.

Demographic of Interest

While everyone can be infected with TB, one’s risk of contracting the TB bacterial depends on a wide range of factors. If one has a preexisting condition, for instance, their vulnerability to TB infection is significantly high. Thus, the demographic of interest are people with chronic illnesses including those with HIV and AIDS. The other group to consider includes tobacco smokers because the susceptibility of this population to TB virus is high (Esmail et al., 2022). This is attributed to the fact that smoking impairs one’s immunity, and the substances found in the cigarettes end up in the lungs, damaging them.

Reportable Status of the Disease

The contagious nature of the TB requires clinicians or hospitals to verify and report TB cases. When reporting to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC), those mandated to report are required to follow the appropriate guidelines for notifying the CDC. However, one can also notify the local health officer if they suspect that one is infected. In both cases, the timespan required to notify officials is 24 hours of identifying the case.

The Epidemiologic Triangle as It Relates to the Communicable Disease

Agent Factors

The TB’s epidemiologic triad involves the interplay of various factors including those linked to the agent. From an epidemiologic perspective, the agent is what carries the microbe that is responsible of the TB infection (Jia et al., 2020). Specifically, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the agent that is responsible of the infection, and while it attacks the respiratory system, it can affect the different organs including the brain.

Host Factors

When a person harbors TB, they are considered the host, and when considering the host, various factors come into play. For example, living with HIV or other conditions that predispose one to the risk of the disease, is an example of the host factor. The same applies if one is malnourished, aged, smokes heavily, or is diabetic because these conditions and lifestyle choices compromise one’s immunity, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections (John & Kompithra, 2023).

Environmental Factors

While the contact with the agent determines a person’s risk of contracting the TB, the factors within one’s environment significantly affects one’s exposure. Living in poor housing conditions such as houses with a high density of individuals sharing a single accommodation facility, can expose people to TB risks. The lack of adequate clean water is also an environmental factor that can increase the risk of exposure to the TB. The availability of water is necessary for people to maintain basic hygienic habits such as washing of hands, and avoiding sharing of the utensils.

If water is inadequate, therefore, the chances of individuals coming in contact with the TB pathogen may increase (John & Kompithra, 2023).  Additionally, the lack of availability of the healthcare facilities including providers may jeopardize the public health by predisposing the public to TB because health workers play key role in sensitizing the public about TB among other infectious diseases.

The Community Health Nurse’s Role in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention (Through Tasks Such as Case Finding and Contact Tracing, Reporting, Data Collection, Analysis, and Follow-up)

Managing TB requires participation of various parties including patients and health workers. As part of the healthcare professionals, community health nurses play crucial role, meeting various aspects of patients’ needs. At the primary level, these nurses sensitize the public about TB including the lifestyle choices and the behaviors that may cause TB. When educating the public and the most vulnerable groups, they may emphasize modification of the lifestyle, and smoking cessation. The nurse also engages policy makers, recommending the need to adopt regulations that expand access to health care services. Through these efforts, the nurse can help minimize cases of TB infections.

When it comes to the secondary prevention still, the community nurse’s role becomes crucial. In this case, they find cases by identifying individuals with compromised immune systems. They also perform assessments and diagnostic tests, determining positive TB cases. In addition, they trace people who have been in contact with the TB patients, monitoring them to ascertain their TB status. In case they suspect or diagnose TB cases, they notify the officials so that necessary measures can be taken.

Concerning the TB, the tertiary prevention is necessary in the sense that it minimizes the impact of the TB, with the community health nurse playing a fundamental role during this phase of prevention. For example, the nurse manages the disease, providing treatment to TB patients. The nurse may remind them to take their medications by following the prescription information. This may happen when following up with the patients, assessing their progress after discharge. Furthermore, the nurse works with other professionals including counselors, assisting the patient to learn how stop habits that may interfere with the recovery (Madebo, Balta, & Daka, 2023).

National Patient Safety Resource or Initiative that Addresses the Communicable Disease including How it Contributes to Resolving or Reducing the Impact of the Disease at the Point of Care

In the U.S., community-based players across different states united to counter the effect of the TB and to address the disease by forming the TB Elimination Alliance (TEA). Through this alliance, these players sought to setup efforts focused on sensitizing communities about TB, and advocating for the TB patients. They also sought to mobilize resources by securing finds that would go towards preventing, treating and diagnosing TB (TB Elimination Alliance, 2021). They also sought to influence policy initiatives focused on mitigating the impact of the TB. This initiative contributes to resolving TB problem by ensuring that communities are informed about the disease, and that policy developers develop policies that reflect the public health needs.     

The Global Implication of the Disease

According to the WHO statistical data, 10.6 million individuals contracted TB in 2022, with TB coming in the second position after Covid-19 in terms of the diseases that caused the highest incidences of mortality during the same year (WHO, 2023). Given that the disease requires hospitalization of patients especially if it is in active phase, it contributes to money lost due to lack of productivity.

How the Disease Is Addressed in other Countries or Cultures

The way other countries address the disease is similar to the approaches the U.S. adopts to address it. In a country like China, for instance, the focus is on research and innovation, with emphasis on developing potent medications that can kill the TB bacterium faster. In Canada, the focus is on creating policies that make preventive services available to those at risk of TB (Alsayed & Gunosewoyo (2023).

Changes in Conditions that Might Indicate Public Health Emergency Related to the Chosen Disease

The change in weather conditions may require adopting new measures to counter the spread of the TB pathogen. This is particularly necessary during the cold weather.

Conclusion

The exposure of the individual to the TB including their risk of contracting the disease depends on a wide range of factors including the environmental factors to which they are exposed. One’s risk also depends on their lifestyle habits, and their overall health status.

 References

Alsayed, S. S. R., & Gunosewoyo, H. (2023). Tuberculosis: Pathogenesis, Current Treatment Regimens and New Drug Targets. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(6), 5202. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065202.