Investigate population health and epidemiological data to learn about prevalent disease trends within your geographic region. Compare and contrast the prevalence of diseases in the selected region with disease rates and trends in a different geographic area of your choosing.
Statistics from valid, reliable sources such as professional population health-focused organizations, governmental agencies, local and state health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are appropriate sources to validate assessment findings.
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Complete the Application of Epidemiology template to answer the questions related to your investigation. Use of this template is required. If the template is not used, a 10% deduction will be applied. See the rubric. Save the template and include your name in the file name.
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Include the Following Sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the grading rubric)
Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases
Describe the selected geographic region
Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region
Compare and contrast the prevalence of those diseases in a separate geographic region of your choosing, noting similarities and differences.
Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences.
Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.
Application of the Epidemiological Model
Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section.
Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process.
Identify and explain one epidemiological model that will be applied to the selected disease (i.e., Epidemiological Triangle, Web of Causation, or another legitimate epidemiological model).
Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease in a well-developed, comprehensive manner, addressing the entire model.
Chronic Diseases:
Heart Disease: As the leading cause of death in Florida, it accounts for a substantial number of fatalities annually, influenced by the state's aging population.
Cancer: The second leading cause of death, with high rates of lung cancer and skin cancer due to environmental factors like sun exposure and a history of tobacco use.
Diabetes (Type 2): High prevalence, often linked to obesity and lifestyle factors, which is a major public health concern across all demographics.
Alzheimer's Disease: Florida has one of the highest per-capita rates of Alzheimer's deaths, directly related to its large elderly population.
Infectious Diseases:
Hepatitis C and HIV: Both diseases have a significant presence, often linked to injection drug use and a complex public health landscape.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Florida consistently ranks among the top states for new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: The state's climate makes it susceptible to diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever, though these occur in much smaller numbers than chronic diseases.
Comparison with Separate Geographic Region
For a comparative analysis, the state of Massachusetts was chosen, a region with a population of approximately 7 million and a younger median age of 39.4 years.
Similarities: Both Florida and Massachusetts face similar challenges with chronic diseases being the leading causes of mortality. Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in both states, reflecting national trends. This commonality underscores that lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and tobacco use are pervasive issues across the country.
Differences:
Chronic Disease Rates: While both states battle chronic diseases, Florida's higher median age contributes to a higher prevalence of age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Infectious Diseases: Florida's subtropical climate and extensive tourism industry lead to a greater risk and higher incidence of mosquito-borne illnesses and certain STIs compared to Massachusetts. The higher population turnover from tourism also complicates infectious disease control. In contrast, Massachusetts has historically faced a more pronounced opioid epidemic, leading to different public health priorities and disease burdens.
Contributing Variables
The differences in disease prevalence are primarily driven by three key variables:
Demographics: Florida's aging population directly impacts the prevalence of age-related chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and certain cancers.
Environmental and Climatic Factors: Florida's warm climate and extensive coastline create an ideal environment for mosquito vectors, leading to a higher risk of diseases like dengue fever.
Socioeconomic and Policy Differences: Variances in state-level public health funding, healthcare access, and social safety nets can influence disease rates. A scholarly source notes that socioeconomic disparities in regions like Florida often lead to poorer health outcomes, particularly for chronic diseases (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2024).
Application of the Epidemiological Model
Selected Prevalent Disease
Type 2 Diabetes has been selected for further epidemiological analysis. This chronic disease is a major public health burden in both Florida and Massachusetts, affecting millions of people and leading to severe complications if not managed effectively.
Sample Answer
Application of Epidemiology
Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases
Description of Geographic Region
The selected primary geographic region is Florida, a state located in the southeastern United States with a diverse population of over 22 million. The state is characterized by a subtropical climate, a significant tourism industry, and a disproportionately large elderly population, with a median age of 42.7 years, making it one of the oldest in the nation. This demographic profile and environmental factors have a profound impact on the state's health trends.
Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health, the most prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region are: