Definition and Description of Epidemiology

Epidemiology Paper

The human papillomavirus (HPV) affects approximately 20 million individuals in the United States today (CDC, n.d.). Many teenage ladies are infected with HPV and may not know it. Teenage ladies are also at risk of developing HPV in their lifetime. Risk factors include sexual intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners at any time, history of a sexually transmitted infection, and the lack of condom use (Center for Young Women's Health, 2012).

In this paper the subject to discuss is the definition and description of epidemiology, the human papillomavirus, and how it affects teenage ladies. The paper illustrates the steps and methods epidemiologist take to acquire data. The paper recognizes the use of the epidemiological triangle, learning the different types of epidemiology, studying the three levels of prevention and how it relate to HPV.

Definition and Description of Epidemiology

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems" (2012, para 1). Epidemiology also includes the study of chronic diseases, mental-health diseases, health-related events, occupational exposures, and environmental exposures. Epidemiology is deemed as the core science of public health. Epidemiology focuses on specific populations versus a specific person (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012).

The study of epidemiology has played an important role in health care, such as learning the factors that relate to health and disease, identifying infectious agents, creating, and implementing health promotion, and disease prevention. Recognizing the nurse's role in the community, assessing, and evaluating health care services and policies are also contributions that epidemiology has made in health care (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012).

The Human Papillomavirus in Teens

The human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection. HPV has more than 100 different strains and at least 40 strains are transmitted sexually. HPV can affect the genital area, mouth, and throat (CDC, 2012). Several strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer such as type 16 and type 18. In uncommon cases the human papillomavirus can cause cancer in the vulva, vagina, and anus in girls (Center for Young Women's Health, 2012).

Other strains of HPV can cause genital warts such as type 6 and type 11 (Center for Young Women's Health, 2012). On rare occasions, a pregnant woman with genital warts can pass the virus to her baby during delivery. The infant can contract Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (CDC, 2012). Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis is a "warty growth in the upper airway that may cause significant airway obstruction or voice change" (Harman, 2011, para 1).

The human papillomavirus is most common among adolescents. It is a disease that can affect anyone, despite an individual's ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. In the United States, 6.2 million individuals will contract a new HPV infection (CDC, n.d.). "At least one in every two sexually active young women has had a genital HPV infection" (Center for Young Women's Health, 2012, para 4). Women have an 80% risk of acquiring HPV by the age of 50 (CDC, n.d.).

Steps and Methods of Epidemiology

The basic method of an epidemiologic study is to acquire data. Three classes of data sources are used to investigate an epidemiologic study: routine collection of data, data collected for other purposes, and original data. Routine data includes census data, birth certificates, death certificates, and surveillance data. Routine data also includes information collected by the CDC. Data collected for other purposes includes medical records, insurance records, and the health department. Original data is information gathered for a particular epidemiologic study (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012).

The Center for Disease and Prevention has been studying and observing the human papillomavirus for more than 20 years. Researchers have determined the cause of HPV, the types of HPV, who can be infected with HPV, the symptoms of HPV, and the result of acquiring HPV. Researchers have also determined the risk factors, the prevention, and the detection of HPV. Despite efforts to learn more about this disease many women do not know about the human papillomavirus or are unfamiliar with the sexually transmitted infection (ARHP, 2005).

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals conducted a survey for women to communicate with their health care providers and request comprehensive screenings. The survey concluded that 88% of women depend on their healthcare providers to learn about gynecological concerns and only 19% of women surveyed stated that their healthcare provider spoke with them regarding cervical cancer and HPV. The survey also concluded that only 66% of women think that their healthcare provider is extremely knowledgeable regarding the human papilllomavirus (ARHP, 2005).

Epidemiological Triangle

The epidemiological triangle was created to recognize causative factors, the spread, and the risk related to infectious and chronic diseases. The epidemiological triangle consists of an agent, host, and the environment. The agent, host, and environment are dependent of each other.

The objective of the epidemiologist is to interrupt one side of the triangle to disrupt the link between the agent, host, and environment (CDC, 2007). According to Stanhope & Lancaster, a change in one of these elements can manipulate the incidence of an individual's risk of developing a disease or infection (2012).

In the epidemiological triangle the host is the person. The characteristics of an individual are significant including his or her age, sex, ethnicity, genetic susceptibility, immunology status, physical factors, psychological factors, and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors including diet and exercise (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). The host in this topic is sexually active teenage women (13-19).

The agent is the cause, the type of disease, or infection