Epidemiology Principles

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of health problems. In particular, it looks at how an issue facing public health is the steady development of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in both the community and in healthcare settings. It examines how the four key elements of epidemiology are distribution, frequency, determinants of the problem and control measures and attempts to apply these elements in order to monitor, control and prevent the disease.

Outline:
Epidemiology
Epidemiology Distribution
Epidemiology Frequency
Epidemiology Determinants
Epidemiology Control Measures
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the population that are at the greatest risk for developing an MRSA infection or become colonized are the elderly, children, very ill, individuals unable to fight off infection because of a serious disease such as HIV and individuals that have been recently hospitalized or undergone a surgical procedure. The primary location of MRSA infections are hospitals and other health-care facilities. There have also been a few incidents of MRSA outbreaks in the community settings however, these cases are limited in nature. The nature of a MRSA infection is one of a super germ. A super germ is a bacterium that is resistant to known treatment pathways such as antibiotic. MRSA infections occur most primarily through direct physical contact with a person or object that is carrying the bacteria. Contamination objects can include medical equipment, sheets, or even a tabletop. In the hospital setting, the most common way MRSA is spread is by healthcare workers' hands. Basic infection-control measures are critical to success in MRSA infection prevention. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bayona, M., & Olsen, C. (2004). Measures in Epidemiology. Retrieved May 10, 2008, from http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/yes/4297_MODULE_09.pdf
• Chambers, H. (2001, April 1). The Changing Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus. Retrieved May 10, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no2/chambers.htm
• Emedicinehealth (2008, January 1). MRSA Infection. Retrieved May 10, 2008, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/mrsa_infection/page5_em.htm
• Farlex (2007). Primary prevention. Retrieved May 10, 2008, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Primary+prevention
• Farlex (2007). Secondary prevention. Retrieved May 10, 2008, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/secondary

More papers on Epidemiology Principles:

• Research Paper # 99502 : "Public Health and Obesity"
• Term Paper # 129735 : "Public Health and Obesity"
• Analytical Essay # 121624 : "Public Health Issue of Cancer"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: