NR 586 Week 4 Application of Epidemiology Worksheet

Grace J.
September 2, 2025September 2, 2025
CU MSN, NR-586

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-586: Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Prevalent Infectious and Chronic Diseases

1. Describe the selected geographic region

The geographic focus is the United States of America (USA), a high-income country with one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. The U.S. is characterized by its diverse population, wide range of socioeconomic groups, and notable urban–rural health disparities. Public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide strong surveillance and data-reporting systems, enabling accurate monitoring of disease patterns. Despite having broad access to healthcare services, the U.S. continues to face major public health challenges, including the growing burden of chronic diseases, hesitancy toward vaccination, and periodic public health emergencies such as pandemics.

2. Identify the prevalent infectious and chronic diseases in the region

Infectious diseases that remain a concern in the United States include COVID-19, Dengue fever, and Measles. Chronic diseases are also widespread, with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. These conditions often overlap with infectious diseases, since individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to severe complications when exposed to infections like COVID-19.

3. Compare and contrast the prevalence of diseases in the selected region with disease rates and trends in a different geographic area of your choosing, noting similarities and differences

For comparison, Africa is selected as a region with different health challenges. Infectious disease rates in Africa are often shaped by limited healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and higher exposure to vector-borne illnesses.

The table below provides a comparison between the U.S. and Africa:

Disease	United States (Cases / Rates)	Africa (Cases / Rates)	Similarities	Differences
COVID-19	104,500,000 total cases	12,216,748 total cases (Africa CDC, 2021)	Both implement preventive measures such as handwashing, mask-wearing, isolation, and vaccination campaigns.	The U.S. had rapid vaccine rollout in 2020, while Africa received limited vaccine supplies in 2021, demonstrating inequities in distribution.
Dengue	1,495 confirmed new cases (CDC)	7,554 confirmed new cases (WHO Africa)	Both rely on the same vaccine (Dengvaxia).	In the U.S., most cases are travel-related; in Africa, Dengue is endemic due to environmental conditions.
Measles	139 current cases, 93.1% MMR vaccine rate	4,701 current cases, 86% MMR vaccine rate	Both depend on the MMR vaccine and supportive treatment, as no cure exists.	U.S. outbreaks are linked to unvaccinated travelers, while in Africa, they are driven by overcrowding, poor access to healthcare, and low vaccine coverage.

4. Discuss the variables that contribute to the noted similarities and differences

The similarities between the two regions arise because many public health measures are standardized under international guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, COVID-19 prevention measures—such as vaccination, social distancing, and mask-wearing—are global strategies. Likewise, measles prevention relies on the MMR vaccine, and dengue prevention depends on Dengvaxia, which is universally recognized.

The differences, however, are primarily due to social determinants of health and structural inequalities. Africa faces a heavier burden because of poverty, overcrowding, limited access to vaccines, and fragile healthcare infrastructure. Environmental and climatic factors also play a role: Dengue transmission thrives in Africa’s tropical regions but remains largely travel-related in the U.S. Furthermore, vaccine inequity during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the U.S. vaccinated millions in 2020, while African countries faced long delays in supply (Kunyenje et al., 2023).

Application of the Epidemiological Model

1. Select and describe one of the prevalent diseases noted in the previous section

COVID-19 is chosen as the focus disease. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. Airborne transmission may also occur, particularly in enclosed and poorly ventilated settings. While most individuals develop mild or moderate symptoms, people with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems, or older age are more likely to experience severe disease, hospitalization, or death (World Health Organization, n.d.).

2. Discuss physical and social determinants of health that influence the disease process

COVID-19 severity and outcomes are influenced by a combination of social and physical determinants:

Social determinants: Poverty, overcrowded housing, limited access to healthcare, and food insecurity increase risk of transmission and poor health outcomes, particularly among marginalized groups (Abrams & Szefler, 2020).
Physical determinants: Advanced age, chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), smoking, and lack of vaccination elevate the risk of severe illness and death.

3. Identify and explain one epidemiological model which will be applied to the selected disease

The Epidemiological Triangle Model is applied to COVID-19. It consists of:

Agent: SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Host: Human beings, with varying susceptibility depending on immunity and underlying conditions.
Environment: External conditions such as ventilation, sanitation, and crowding that facilitate or limit spread (Caron, 2022).

4. Apply the epidemiological model to the selected disease

Component	COVID-19 Application
Agent	SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for infection and transmission.
Host	Humans; risk influenced by immunity, age, chronic disease, and vaccination status.
Environment	Spread is supported by close contact, respiratory droplets, poor ventilation, and contaminated surfaces.

When any component of the triangle is altered—for example, by reducing exposure through mask use or increasing immunity through vaccination—the transmission of COVID-19 decreases significantly.

Levels of Prevention

1. Explain the levels of prevention used within population health practice

Population health interventions are divided into three levels (Kisling & Das, 2023):

Primary prevention: Prevents the disease before onset (e.g., vaccination, health education, hand hygiene).
Secondary prevention: Detects disease early and prevents further spread (e.g., diagnostic testing, screening).
Tertiary prevention: Reduces complications and long-term impact of disease (e.g., hospitalization, rehabilitation, antiviral treatment).

2. Discuss one primary prevention to address the disease

Primary prevention for COVID-19 includes hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and physical distancing. Vaccination is also the cornerstone of reducing disease transmission.

3. Discuss one secondary prevention to address the disease

Testing strategies, such as PCR and rapid antigen tests, function as secondary prevention tools. They help detect infections early, allowing for timely isolation and reduction in community transmission.

4. Discuss one tertiary prevention to address the disease

Tertiary prevention for COVID-19 involves clinical management, such as antiviral medications, oxygen therapy, and hospitalization for severe cases. Long-term care for post-COVID complications, commonly referred to as long COVID, is also part of tertiary prevention.

Reflection

1. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can monitor the application and efficacy of the prevention strategy

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) play a key role in monitoring prevention strategies by conducting patient surveys, reviewing infection rates, and tracking vaccination uptake. They can also use follow-up evaluations to assess whether patients maintain hand hygiene, wear masks, and adhere to preventive guidelines (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024).

2. Discuss how you will apply the identified prevention strategies in your practice

In clinical practice, APNs can apply prevention strategies as follows:

Primary prevention: Educating patients about handwashing, mask use, and the importance of vaccination.
Secondary prevention: Facilitating access to timely COVID-19 testing.
Tertiary prevention: Providing referrals to hospitals for advanced care and offering follow-up for long COVID management.

3. Reflect on what you have learned from this assignment

This assignment demonstrates how geography, healthcare systems, and social determinants shape disease outcomes globally. The U.S. benefits from advanced healthcare infrastructure, but disparities still exist. Meanwhile, African countries face more significant barriers due to limited healthcare access, poverty, and vaccine inequity. As a future APN, I recognize the importance of health equity, patient education, and policy advocacy in reducing disease burden and improving global health outcomes.

References

Abrams, E. M., & Szefler, S. J. (2020). COVID-19 and the impact of social determinants of health. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 8(7), 659–661. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30234-4

Africa CDC. (2021, November 2). Covid-19 daily updates. https://africacdc.org/covid-19/