The chain of communicable diseases
Social determinants of health are linked to the economic and social conditions and their distribution among the population that influence individuals and group differences in the health systems. They are considered health promoting factors found in one’s living and working conditions. For example, income, work place, community, education, housing, and transportation. The World Health Organization suggest that the social determinants of health include: social gradient, stress, work, unemployment, social support, addiction, food and transportation. To deliver high quality healthcare to induvial and communities, providers must address social, economic and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing.
The chain of communicable diseases is also known as the chain of transmission. Six factors can be identified in this process: The infectious agent, the reservoir, the route of exit, the mode of transmission, the route of entry and the susceptible host. Each factor has a role in the chain and each can be broken through various ways. A community health nurse can help break the chain of communicable diseases by identifying social and health determinants within the community. For example, during flu season when the nurse has a confirmed case of the flu virus, he or she would investigate the host. Finding out when did the symptoms first occur, are there school age children in the home that might have transmitted this virus to them from school. Is important to attempt to find out how and when it was transmitted, by doing this others that have been exposed may receive treatment early to prevent health issues. Does this host know the proper hand washing techniques and how to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing? The nurse would also investigate what type of environment the host had been in for the last seven days. The chain of infection can be broken by investigation, education and treatment. Once these determinants are identified a community nurse could offer education on prevention and treatment, vaccines and immunizations and other free resources. The goal of a community health nurse is to promote, prevent and restore health to the community. This would include helping communities that live in poverty with clean and health food supplies. The community would also benefit from safe housing, economic and social relationships, education and access to healthcare.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, determinants of health factors contribute to a person’s current state of health. These factors may be biological, socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, or social in nature. Here are a few examples:
1. Biology and Genetics- Sex and age
2. Individual Behavior- Alcohol use, drug use, smoking and unprotected sex
3. Social Environment- Income, gender and discrimination
4. Physical Environment- Where the person resides
5. Health Services- Access to healthcare and insurance
References:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Global Health. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/cogh/
World Health Organization. Explore The World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/en/
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