Communicable disease communication document | Nursing homework help
Communicable Disease: Rising Rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Part One: Research on STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Some of the common STDs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. Despite efforts to prevent and control STDs, the rates of STDs are rising globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, there were over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2019, which is the highest number ever reported in a single year (CDC, 2020).
Part Two: Communication Document
Introduction
STDs are a significant public health concern, and their increasing rates are alarming. This communication document aims to explain the impact of rising rates of STDs on public health, analyze epidemiologic data on STDs, examine nursing interventions that have been proven effective in similar communities, and provide action steps that public health nurses can take to prevent and control STDs.
Impact of STDs on Public Health
STDs have a significant impact on public health, including physical, emotional, and economic consequences. STDs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. The emotional impact of STDs cannot be ignored, as individuals may experience stigma, discrimination, and mental health issues. Moreover, STDs have an economic impact on individuals and healthcare systems due to the cost of medical care, lost productivity, and disability.
Analysis of Epidemiologic Data
According to the CDC, in 2019, there were over 1.8 million cases of chlamydia reported, which is a 19% increase from 2015. Gonorrhea rates increased by 56% during the same period, with over 616,000 cases reported in 2019. Additionally, there were over 129,000 cases of syphilis reported, which is a 74% increase from 2015 (CDC, 2020). These statistics indicate that STDs are becoming a significant public health problem, and there is a need for interventions to prevent and control their spread.
Potential Impact on the Population
If rising rates of STDs are not addressed, they can have significant social and emotional impacts on the population. The stigma associated with STDs can prevent individuals from seeking medical care and result in untreated infections, which can lead to serious health consequences. Moreover, STDs can impact individuals’ relationships, sexuality, and mental health, which can result in social isolation and emotional distress. The economic impact of STDs on the population cannot be overlooked, as they can lead to significant healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Nursing Interventions
Nursing interventions have been proven effective in preventing and controlling STDs. One effective intervention is promoting condom