Introduction
Epidemiology is a complex yet extremely important field of study that examines the transmission and effects of infectious diseases on populations. Researchers in this area use data analysis to identify patterns that could indicate an outbreak and measures necessary for public health initiatives (Adhikari et al., 2020; Baker et al., 2022). Such research assists healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding treatment protocols and other preventative strategies toward ensuring those most at risk are adequately protected from infection.
Outbreak of Infectious Diseases
Recently, large-scale outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19 have caused unprecedented devastation in terms of human lives lost and economic disruption (Shang et al., 2021). In addition to direct transmission from person to person through contact, these pathogens can likewise be transmitted through contaminated food or water sources and by insect vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks.
Incidence of Infectious Diseases
As international travel and population density increase, the risk of contagious diseases has become a worldwide concern. Few remain safe from potential exposure from human contact to shared air space or animal vectors (Cernicchiaro et al., 2022). People in developing countries are especially vulnerable due to overcrowding and inadequate sanitation standards.
Prevalence of Infectious Diseases
Epidemiological data suggest that up to one-third of all deaths worldwide are caused by infections, making them a major global public health issue (Ciaula et al., 2020). While not all infectious diseases can be prevented, some can be reduced through immunization and vaccination programs.
The Role of Nursing Within Epidemiology
Experts with invaluable knowledge and experience in individual diagnosis state that treatment plans, community education initiatives, and public health interventions can reduce risks (Suprapto et al., 2021). Nursing is a critical component of public health surveillance, research, and evidence-based practice essential for informing policy decisions regarding preventing and controlling disease outbreaks.
Nurses are well-positioned to help identify disease patterns, provide public health education and early intervention, and collect data that can inform the development of evidence-based practice guidelines and interventions. They also provide patient education on preventative measures such as immunization.
Current Infectious Diseases Locally (Miami)
There have been relatively high rates of Zika, syphilis, and chlamydia in Miami, with 29% of patients being diagnosed with syphilis in 2019 alone (Griffin, 2019). Unfortunately, due to the high numbers of uninsured individuals living in Miami-Dade County, many may be unable to access treatment if infected with an infectious disease.
Current Infectious Diseases Statewide (Florida)
Illnesses such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are becoming increasingly prevalent, indicating a lack of access to quality healthcare and population education on preventive measures. Furthermore, there has been an increase in hospitalizations due to preventable and vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019), more than 2 million cases of infection-related illnesses were reported in 2018 alone. This sharp increase reflects the risk posed by the emergence of new antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other factors such as climate change and international travel. Mortality rates due to infectious diseases remain disproportionately high among certain demographics, including children and impoverished people.
COVID-19 and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
In response, Healthy People 2030 objectives have included strategies such as increasing access to preventive services, including immunizations and screening. Furthermore, Healthy People 2030 seeks to increase public understanding of how infectious diseases can be prevented and managed through regular vaccination programs, and improved sanitation practices.
Measles and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
Measles is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease caused by a virus spread through the air by an infected person. By eliminating new measles cases, Healthy People 2030 aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this infectious disease while improving overall population health across the United States.
Seasonal Influenza and Healthy People 2030 Objectives
To reduce the number of people affected each year by influenza, Healthy People 2030 (n.d) has set a target of reducing the proportion of people who aim to vaccinate more than 70% of people. By achieving these goals, Communities will be better protected from outbreaks, and hospitalizations associated with influenza can be reduced.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Infectious Diseases in General
Evidence-based practices have become an important tool in preventing and reducing infectious diseases, for example, frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. Vaccinations represent another important evidence-based practice, as they help protect individuals by boosting immunity before exposure to a virus or bacteria.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Covid-19
Social distancing, wearing face masks, and frequent hand washing are some of the most effective strategies for decreasing the risk of virus transmission (Manikandan, 2020). Additionally, increasing access to testing and contact tracing is essential for quickly identifying cases and taking necessary steps to contain the spread (Manikandan, 2020).
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Measles
Vaccination programs can help prevent individuals from contracting the virus by protecting them against infection. Health education initiatives, such as providing information on limiting exposure to the virus and recognizing symptoms, can help reduce transmission rates (So et al., 2023). Increasing access to healthcare professionals in underserved areas enables early detection and treatment of the disease.
Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Seasonal Influenza
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection by introducing a weakened form of the virus into the body (Kwok et al., 2020). Hand hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can reduce contact transmission of influenza. Respiratory etiquette, for instance, covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent droplet transmission of influenza from person to person.
Health Promotion Techniques That Can Be Used to Manage Infectious and Communicable Diseases in Populations
Education can be provided in multiple forms, including pamphlets, seminars, and workshops. Awareness campaigns can feature posters and billboards demonstrating how disease spreads or the benefits of immunization. Health screening programs can range from simple checkups to more comprehensive testing for specific individuals at high risk for particular infections.
Other health promotion techniques used to manage infectious and contagious diseases in populations include encouraging vaccination and other preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as hand washing and proper hygiene, providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, and improving access to adequate healthcare services.
Teaching Project
This community-based education initiative seeks to combat obesity in Miami-Dade County by educating residents and encouraging them to lead healthier lifestyles. In order to accomplish this goal, several aspects must be incorporated into the course material. These aspects include the dangers to one’s health that are connected with obesity, the significance of engaging in physical exercise, and the adoption of good eating habits. The curriculum should also provide practical tips for individuals to adopt healthier habits, such as meal planning and portion control. Moreover, one should not forget about the peculiarities of this kind of information presentation, namely the publicity and fuzziness, which can appear in this process and must be leveled.
In that case, a more specific definition of the variables that might relate to the public health assessment of the issue is needed. In addition to focusing on specifics, qualitatively different factors should be attributed to the test, and each should be included in the training project. Thus, the main variables should be biostatistics, epidemiology, socio-behavioral status, environmental health levels, health policy and management trends, medical ethics, and others. When looking at the level of variables in more detail, levels of familiarity and safety in the context of these indicators can be considered. For a more accurate understanding of the information, looking at them more specifically is possible.
Biostatistics analysis is necessary for the context of interpreting health data and involves identifying trends or certain patterns in the development of current situations. Epidemiology refers to understanding the spread and prevention of various diseases and risk factors that can lead to a deteriorating health situation. Of great importance within this variable is the attention given to the most common diseases, including bacterial and infectious diseases (Devaux et al., 2019). The sciences that study social behavior and the mental state contribute to the identification of causes and factors that can lead to changes in health status. In addition to the above, the level of health in the environment plays an important role that is influenced by external factors: industrial, climatic, or other (Di Ciaula et al., 2021). Political and managerial tendencies determine the existence and vector of development in the health field, influencing the general health level.
Finally, medical ethics contribute to the formation of principles and considerations in patient care practice and determine the correctness of research in the field. The level of development and presence of such a variable is mandatory to assess when there is a need for adequate identification of the current level of public health in a given locality. The materials required for the training, in this case, will be of a similar various types:
- Development of learning objectives: a specific definition of the necessary knowledge of the audience and their tasks after the training. It is desirable to follow the SMART strategy in the formation of this material.
- Carrying out an assessment of the audience and the working group’s needs related to the training issue. Surveys, focus groups, or interviews can help identify current issues in public health.
- Creating educational support materials that can impact the desired group – factuality, brevity, and universality is important. Visualization promotes a higher level of audience perception and understanding and may find a better response.
- Choosing and implementing teaching methods is imperative when introducing any material to ensure effectiveness. Public groups are most comfortable with different methods of presenting information, which can vary to increase effectiveness.
Resources and materials will necessarily include posters, handouts, visual aids, interactive exercises, simulations, and other multimedia tools to engage learners on multiple levels. It is important to provide materials that are accessible to people with varied educational backgrounds and experiences. The material should be presented for everyone to understand and informative enough to ensure learners retain the knowledge. Additionally, providing resources such as practice tests and quizzes can be beneficial for reinforcing key concepts covered in the curriculum. Effectively providing these resources and materials will enable students of all backgrounds to understand the subject matter better. Thus, it is necessary to additionally note the basic principles and properties of the materials used – simplicity, accessibility, and absence of procrastination. If there are time delays or questions in complicated forms, the feedback can be negative, and the result of the learning process is negligible.
The curriculum will use a blended method that will include both in-person and online classes, such as webinars and virtual seminars. The project will engage participants in meaningful conversations about their health by utilizing evidence-based health promotion techniques such as motivational interviewing and behavior change strategies. Additionally, the participants will be challenged to think differently about the lifestyle choices that they currently make. The participants in these programs will be provided with the resources necessary to make changes in their lives that will have a long-term impact on both their mental and physical well-being.
The curriculum will be designed to provide a comprehensive overview of strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum will include interactive activities and evidence-based practices to ensure the information presented is retained and actively discussed. Education on healthy food choices will include lessons on reading nutrition labels, understanding food groups and their benefits, and making healthier food substitutions. Additionally, information about various portion sizes and appropriate calorie intake for individuals of varying body types will be included in the curriculum. Meal planning sessions will discuss planning meals based on individual dietary needs and preferences, creating balanced meals, and budgeting tips for grocery shopping. Regular physical activity will also be emphasized by providing tips for incorporating exercise into daily routines and making physical activity enjoyable for all ages.
Conclusion
In terms of curriculum assessment, a pre- and post-program survey will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum in promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The survey will include questions regarding dietary habits, physical activity levels, knowledge of nutrition/exercise, general health awareness, and overall sense of well-being. Additionally, tracking metrics such as weight, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, blood pressure readings, and other vital measurements will be used to monitor progress and determine the effectiveness of the curriculum in promoting long-term behavior change. This comprehensive data set will enable measuring short-term and long-term behavioral changes to evaluate program success.
References
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