Using The Attached Written Assignment Template Submit A 5-Pa
Using The Attached Written Assignment Template Submit A 5 Page Resear
Using the attached Written Assignment Template, submit a 5-page research paper focusing on either a chronic non-communicable disease or a communicable disease that is of great significance in the United States. The paper will focus on the burden of disease/distribution, prevalence, and risk factors. Each paper should reflect the application of knowledge and skill, and source credibility. The content encompasses the expression of authenticity with validity and reliability. Scholarly sources are expected to be used and appropriately cited.
Use a minimum of three (3) peer-reviewed, scholarly and/or academic resources. Papers must be formatted in APA style (7th edition). PLO: #1: Explain the core principles of public health and their relationship to the health status of groups, communities, and populations at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The health landscape of the United States is significantly shaped by the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases (CDs). These diseases influence population health, healthcare costs, and social productivity. Understanding the burden, distribution, and risk factors of these diseases provides critical insights into public health challenges and informs effective interventions. This paper focuses on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, a prominent non-communicable disease, exploring its epidemiology, risk factors, and implications for public health.
Burden and Distribution of Type 2 Diabetes in the United States
Type 2 Diabetes is a major public health concern in the U.S., affecting over 37 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020). It accounts for a substantial proportion of healthcare expenditures, estimated at over $327 billion annually (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2018). The distribution of diabetes is uneven, with higher prevalence among racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. These groups experience disproportionately higher rates of diagnosis and complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and neuropathy (CDC, 2020).
The geographic distribution also varies, with the Southern states showing the highest prevalence, often referred to as the "Diabetes Belt" (Zhang et al., 2017). Socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and lifestyle habits contribute to this regional disparity. Urban areas typically have better disease management resources, yet urban poverty remains a significant determinant in disease prevalence among marginalized populations (Pettitt et al., 2019).
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Prevalence rates of Type 2 Diabetes continue to rise, driven by aging populations, obesity epidemics, and sedentary lifestyles. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, obesity—particularly central adiposity—sedentary behavior, poor diet, and socioeconomic factors such as limited healthcare access. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2019) emphasizes that obesity is a critical modifiable risk factor, with over 85% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes being overweight or obese.
Further, social determinants of health such as income, education, and environment influence risk exposure. Food deserts and unsafe neighborhoods restrict healthy lifestyle choices, exacerbating disease burden (Walker et al., 2018). Insulin resistance, a hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes, results from complex metabolic interactions influenced by these risk factors, leading to chronic hyperglycemia and subsequent complications.
Public Health Principles and Disease Prevention
The core principles of public health emphasize prevention, health promotion, and addressing social determinants of health. Strategies targeting Type 2 Diabetes include community-based interventions that promote physical activity and healthy diets, screening programs for early detection, and policies aimed at reducing risk factors like obesity. For example, the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) emphasizes lifestyle modification as an effective means of preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes (CDC, 2018).
Health education campaigns and improved healthcare access are vital to tackling disparities. Addressing broader issues like food insecurity and urban planning to encourage physical activity are integral to sustainable health improvements. Public health also collaborates across sectors, including education, transportation, and housing, to mitigate environmental and social risks.
Impact and Public Health Response
The high prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes imposes a significant public health burden through increased morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life, and economic costs. Public health initiatives focus on coordinated efforts to control and prevent diabetes through surveillance, community engagement, policy development, and healthcare system improvements.
Nationwide, efforts such as the Healthy People 2030 objectives aim to reduce new cases and improve management strategies. Internationally, similar strategies are adapted within frameworks like the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs. These initiatives highlight the importance of culturally tailored interventions that address social determinants and promote health equity.
Conclusion
Type 2 Diabetes exemplifies a prevalent non-communicable disease that significantly impacts the health and economic stability of the United States. Its burden is magnified among vulnerable populations, influenced by social and behavioral risk factors. Public health principles centered on prevention, health promotion, and addressing social determinants are essential in combating its rise. Continued efforts, including policy change, community engagement, and health education, are vital for reducing this disease’s impact and achieving health equity across diverse populations.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2018). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. Diabetes Care, 41(5), 917–928. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-0527
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). National Diabetes Statistics Report. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
International Diabetes Federation (IDF). (2019). IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edition. https://diabetesatlas.org
Pettitt, D. J., et al. (2019). Disparities in diabetes burden in urban and rural populations. Journal of Community Health, 44(3), 614–621. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00649-w
Walker, R. J., et al. (2018). Socioeconomic status and diabetes disparities. Diabetes Care, 41(5), 1025–1031. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc17-2338
Zhang, X., et al. (2017). Geographic disparities in diabetes prevalence in the United States. Preventing Chronic Disease, 14, E119. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd14.170160