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Epidemiology of Tuberculosis: A Nursing Perspective

Posted on | by Kelvin

 

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 select one from the list below:
Chickenpox
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Hepatitis B
HIV/AIDS
STIs (HPV, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis)
Ebola
Measles
Polio
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, salmonella, listeria, hepatitis A)
Hepatitis C
SARS-CoV-2
Monkeypox
Dengue
Botulism
Norovirus
CA-MRSA

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]).

 

Sample Answer

 

Epidemiology of Tuberculosis: A Nursing Perspective

Overview of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that can be inhaled by others. The disease has a significant global burden, with approximately 10 million cases and 1.5 million deaths reported in 2019 alone (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).

Demographics of Interest

TB predominantly affects certain demographics, including individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, malnourished individuals, and those living in crowded or impoverished conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021), the highest rates of TB are found in specific populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, foreign-born individuals, and those living in urban areas. TB is a reportable disease in the United States, meaning that healthcare providers are required to report cases to public health authorities for surveillance and control purposes.

Epidemiologic Triangle

The epidemiologic triangle consists of three components: the host, the agent, and the environment. Each factor plays a crucial role in the transmission and spread of TB.

1. Host Factors

– Host factors include elements that increase susceptibility to TB. These factors include age, overall health, and immune status. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or diabetes, are at a higher risk for developing active TB after exposure to the bacterium.

2. Agent Factors

– The agent in this case is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The presence of this pathogen is critical for the transmission of the disease. The bacterium can remain dormant in the body for years without causing illness (latent TB), but it can reactivate when the immune system is weakened.

3. Environmental Factors

– Environmental factors that contribute to the spread of TB include overcrowding, poor ventilation, and socioeconomic conditions that hinder access to healthcare. Inadequate housing conditions and lack of resources can facilitate transmission in communities.

Role of Community Health Nurses

Community health nurses play a vital role in preventing and controlling communicable diseases such as TB through primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies.

Primary Prevention

– Education: Community health nurses provide education about TB transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures such as proper ventilation and respiratory hygiene.
– Vaccination: While there is no widely used vaccine for TB in the United States, community health nurses advocate for the BCG vaccine in high-risk populations where TB prevalence is high.

Secondary Prevention

– Case Finding: Nurses engage in case finding by identifying individuals at high risk for TB exposure through community screenings.
– Contact Tracing: After identifying a case of active TB, nurses conduct contact tracing to find individuals who have been exposed to the infected person.
– Reporting and Data Collection: Community health nurses are responsible for reporting cases to public health authorities and collecting data on demographics and health outcomes.

Tertiary Prevention

– Follow-Up Care: Nurses provide follow-up care for individuals diagnosed with active TB to ensure adherence to treatment regimens.
– Support Services: They may also connect patients with social services to address barriers to care, such as housing instability or lack of transportation.

National Patient Safety Resource

The CDC has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of TB at the point of care. One significant resource is the “Targeted Tuberculin Skin Testing and Interferon Gamma Release Assays” guidelines, which provide healthcare providers with standardized procedures for screening high-risk groups (CDC, 2019). This resource contributes to early identification and treatment of latent TB infections, helping to prevent progression to active disease.

Global Implications of Tuberculosis

Globally, TB remains a major public health challenge. Countries with high TB prevalence often face significant healthcare system challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and resources. The WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Strategy aims to eliminate TB as a public health threat by 2035 through early detection, effective treatment, and targeted prevention strategies (WHO, 2020).

In many countries, cultural practices and stigma associated with TB can hinder treatment adherence. Education campaigns that address these cultural barriers are essential for improving outcomes. Additionally, changes in conditions such as increased drug resistance (multidrug-resistant TB) could indicate a public health emergency and require immediate action from global health organizations.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease with complex epidemiological factors that require a coordinated response from healthcare professionals. Community health nurses play a critical role in preventing and controlling TB transmission through education, case finding, contact tracing, and follow-up care. Utilizing resources from national organizations like the CDC enhances nursing practice in managing TB effectively. With ongoing global efforts to combat this disease, addressing social determinants of health and empowering affected communities will be vital for reducing TB’s impact on public health.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Targeted tuberculin testing and interferon gamma release assays: A joint statement of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the CDC, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/guidelines/testing.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Tuberculosis (TB) statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/default.htm

World Health Organization. (2020). Global tuberculosis report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/en/

 

 

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