Examples of Epidemiology in Article
Epidemiology is used in multiple instances in this article to make a compelling case for the advocacy and prevention of childhood obesity. Primarily, the authors examine the relatively high childhood obesity rates making a connection with its effects on health. The article provides that pediatric obesity has been on an upward spiral recently, with over a threefold rate increase since the 1970s (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009). Data is also provided relating the prevalence of the condition with the study group, wherein the case of 2010, which affected over 33% of adolescents in the U.S., is an example. Consequently, due to such high incidence and prevalence rates, a link is made between the condition and other long-term illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and other cognitive and social challenges. This examination positions childhood obesity as a severe health issue that requires quick intervention.
Additionally, the authors use epidemiology to show that the condition is more prevalent in specific subgroups than others. This demographic analysis of pediatric obesity posits that those from lower-income families are more at risk when compared to their higher-income counterparts. The authors also provide that children of color are more vulnerable than those of White descent (Berkowitz & Borchard, 2009). The analysis offers perfect evidence for understanding the discrepancies between the different subgroups. It also leads to an increased focus on some communities over others, promoting equality in resources and healthy living.
Example of Epidemiological Research Integration
There are various ways that I can utilize epidemiological research in support of policy formation and reformation on societal issues such as childhood obesity at different administrative levels. However, I will specifically use it to measure risk factors or behaviors outcomes in designing an intentional intervention for such societal problems at the state level. Through this dynamic, I can confidently tell why certain individuals are more vulnerable and how the contributory factors can be altered to efficiently help them in dealing with such conditions before they reach unmanageable levels. Similarly, with this piece of information from epidemiological research, I will have the capacity to tell why such behaviors are common to specific individuals. Ultimately, it will be easier to convince the affected groups of the changes they need to make for healthier lifestyles.
Area of Greatest Learning Description
This week, my area of most significant learning is that DNP-prepared nurses must be ready to utilize epidemiology in research and champion policy changes. This spans their development of essential skills such as collaborative leadership, advocacy, behavior change, and critical thinking. With such skills, they can act as a link between the affected groups and the people. Moreover, in making this link, the principles learned will adequately equip them with the required information to make informed recommendations that benefit those affected by the given societal issue and the larger population. The learning also insinuates that DNPs must be ready to explore these challenges objectively to embody them and understand them at all levels of occurrence and intervention.
Similarly, this area of greatest learning also alludes to DNPs acting as agents of the people in policy changes. This is simply because, through epidemiology, they can have a dynamic view of the overall stature of the community affected by a problem such as childhood obesity. In this regard, it becomes easier for them to represent their interests and needs. Besides, it puts them in an advanced position to lobby for resources that can assist such individuals. Therefore, it is clear that the scientific principles of epidemiology place the role and status of DNPs in advocacy and policy development as diverse.
Reference
Berkowitz, B., & Borchard, M. (2009). Advocating for the prevention of childhood obesity: A call to action for nursing. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14(1). Web.