Concepts Theory Epidemiology
Concepts Theory Epidemiology
Concepts Theory Epidemiology
Middle
(see
Epidemiologic triad
Causality
Risk
Epidemiologic Principles
and Theoretical Concepts
Host: susceptible human or animal who harbors and nourishes a
disease causing agent
Factors influencing susceptibility and response of host:
Physical e.g.: age, sex, ethnicity and genetic risk factors
(Nies, Mary A.. Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations, 4th Edition. W.B. Saunders Company, 102006. 4.4).
Agents:
5 Types of agents:
-biological: fungus, insects, viruses, bacteria,
worms,
deficiency
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Environment:
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Copied from Community Health Nursing Caring for Populations (Clark 2003, p.211)
Mode of Transmission: the vehicle that transports the agent from one
person to the next
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appropriate
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Risk
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-Pre-Pathogenesis
-Pathogenesis
Natural progression of a disease occurs in 4 stages
Phase 1: Pre Pathogenesis consists of the first 2 stages:
1st Stage: Susceptibility.
Absence of disease, no exposure to condition but strong possibility for exposure. After
exposure, disease will not progress if immune system is intact. E.g.: Toddlers in a day
care are susceptible to measles.
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Definitions of Health
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Key Terms
Prevalence: Refers to all the people with a particular
health condition, living in a given population at a
specific point in time.
Prevalence Study: Describes patterns of occurrence
Risk
Key Terms
Incidence: refers to all new cases of a disease
appearing during a given time
Incident rate describes the proportion of
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Key Terms
Population at risk:
Group(s) of people who have the greatest
potential to develop a particular health problem
because of the presence or absence certain
contributing factors.
~ Clark 2003 p. 212
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Key Terms
Epidemic: High incidence of a disease occurring in a
community that significantly exceeds the normal or
expected frequency
Pandemic: Significant increase in the incidence of a disease
occurring world wide e.g.: AIDS
Mortality rate: sum of death in a given population
Morbidity: Incident of disease and disability in a given
population
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urbanized area
disease
Local health departments provide data upon request and give advice
on specific problems
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Scientific Studies:
Carefully designed studies
Findings from studies used to develop or add
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Nursing
Evaluation:
Smallpox
Awareness of Bioterrorism
Community health nurses must raise their awareness & preparedness of
bioterrorism
These personnel should be knowledgeable about the consequences of
biological terrorism because:
They work in the community and are in a position of responsibility to
educate the public and allay fear
Correct information must be provided to families, groups &
aggregates
They will need to help people in the decision-making process re need
for immunization against possible terror attacks
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