Using Web Resources To Identify A Current Epidemic ✓ Solved

Using The Web Resources Provided Identify A Current Epidemiological C

Using the web resources provided, identify a current epidemiological concern either at the local, national, or global level. Address the following questions: What is the epidemiological concern? What population is it affecting? What potential population may be affected if this concern is not addressed? What are the risk factors associated with the epidemiological concern? What public health recommendation can you make to alleviate your identified epidemiological concern? Based on the reading, how might you evaluate the effectiveness of the evidence-based strategies?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Contemporary epidemiology plays a crucial role in understanding and managing public health concerns that threaten populations worldwide. Among the pressing issues today, teenage vaping and malaria exemplify contrasting yet significant epidemiological concerns. While vaping among American teenagers highlights behavioral risk factors influencing respiratory and cardiovascular health, malaria remains a persistent infectious disease burden primarily affecting vulnerable populations in developing regions. This paper explores these two concerns, examining their epidemiology, at-risk populations, and potential impacts if unaddressed, alongside public health strategies aimed at mitigation and prevention.

Vaping Among American Teenagers: An Emerging Public Health Challenge

The epidemiological concern of rising vaping rates among American teenagers signifies a modern public health crisis. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2018), the prevalence of vaping among high school students, especially tenth through twelfth graders, has increased markedly, with 37.3% reporting current use in recent surveys. This trend poses significant health risks, including addiction, lung inflammation, heart disease, gum disease, and even death (Vandergriendt, 2020). The population primarily affected by this concern is adolescents aged 15-18; however, the broader community, including parents and educators, faces potential future health burdens if vaping continues unchecked.

Risk factors associated with adolescent vaping include the misconception that inhaling vapor is safe, exposure to flavored products that attract young users, peer influence, and targeted marketing by e-cigarette companies. The addictive nicotine component further complicates cessation efforts and increases the likelihood of lifelong dependency. Public health recommendations emphasize awareness campaigns about vaping dangers, stricter regulation of marketing to minors, higher fines for illegal sales, and educational interventions in schools and healthcare settings (Martinelli, 2020). To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, monitoring trends in vaping prevalence, assessing changes in health outcomes, and evaluating awareness levels among teens will be vital (NIH, 2018).

Malaria: A Persistent Global Epidemiological Issue

Unlike vaping, malaria represents an enduring infectious disease concern that affects millions globally. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), over 3.5 billion people across 93 countries are at risk, with an estimated 219 million cases reported in 2017 and around 436,000 deaths. The primary at-risk populations include children under five years, pregnant women, and residents of endemic regions with limited access to healthcare and preventative measures. The risk factors for malaria transmission include residing in areas with stagnant water that facilitates mosquito breeding, poor sanitation, limited use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and inadequate health infrastructure (Zewotir & Mwamba, 2019).

Preventive strategies focus on vector control through ITNs, indoor residual spraying, prompt diagnosis, and treatment with antimalarial medications, along with the development of effective vaccines. Public health initiatives also promote proper hygiene, community education, and improved access to healthcare services (Wright et al., 2019). To evaluate the success of malaria control strategies, epidemiological measures such as incidence and mortality rates, coverage of intervention programs like ITN distribution, and surveillance data on resistance patterns are utilized. Continued research into vaccine development and surveillance technologies remains critical for controlling and eventually eradicating malaria (Wright et al., 2019).

Discussion and Personal Perspectives

Addressing the vaping epidemic among teens and managing malaria's burden require tailored, evidence-based public health interventions. In the case of vaping, prevention hinges on educational campaigns, regulatory policies, and parental involvement. Implementing stricter advertising regulations and promoting school-based programs can preserve youth health and prevent energy-dependent behaviors (Martinelli, 2020). From a personal standpoint, I believe comprehensive strategies that combine policy enforcement with community engagement are essential to curb this rising trend effectively. Continuous monitoring of vaping prevalence and health outcomes will determine if current measures suffice or if new approaches are necessary.

Meanwhile, malaria control necessitates sustained international cooperation, resource allocation, and community-based interventions. The success of programs like the distribution of ITNs and vaccination campaigns underscores the importance of targeted strategies. From my perspective, investing in research for a highly effective malaria vaccine and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in endemic regions should be prioritized. Regular evaluation through surveillance systems and adaptive strategies will be vital to ensure ongoing progress toward malaria elimination (Wright et al., 2019).

Both health issues exemplify how epidemiological data guide public health planning and resource allocation. They also highlight the importance of culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions that can adapt to changing epidemiological landscapes, ultimately improving population health outcomes worldwide.

References

• Martinelli, K. (2020). Teen vaping: what you need to know. Retrieved from NIH website.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2018). Teens using vaping devices in record number. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov
• Vandergriendt, C. (2020). Is vaping bad for you? Retrieved from health sources.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). World Malaria Report 2018. Geneva.
• Zewotir, R. T., & Mwamba, H. P. (2019). Provenance and risk factors of malaria in Ethiopia. Epidemiology.
• Wright, K., Williams, T., & Wilkinson, L. (2019). Health development and important health needs assessments. Journal of Public Health.