Anavictoria Fortaleza
March 5, 2012
NUR408
Epidemiology Paper Vulnerable populations are "those with a greater than average risk of developing health problems by virtue of their marginalized socio-cultural status, their limited access to economic resources, or personal characteristics such as age and gender" (De Chesnay & Anderson, 2008). Infants and young children are vulnerable to a host of healthcare problems, they are susceptible to viral infection especially respiratory infection such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus. In this paper, the author will define and describe epidemiological triangle as it relates to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), types of epidemiology, and levels of prevention of RSV.
Epidemiology Definition Epidemiology is defined as "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" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). The study of epidemiology is important because it search for causes or factors that are related with increased risk or likelihood of disease, it deals with group of people rather than with individual person, and it helps public health with decision making and aids in developing and evaluating interventions to control and prevent health problems (CDC, 2012). Epidemiology is used to "monitor the health of various populations, understand the determinants of health and disease in communities, and investigate and evaluate interventions to prevent disease and maintain health" (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Epidemiologist treat communities and populations by looking at disease transmission, exposure, possible for spread of disease and ways to avoid the return of disease, just like a physician treats an individual. Epidemiology is considered "the core of science of public health and is described as a constellation of disciplines with a common mission: optimal health for the whole community"