Epidemiological Process, Essay Example

Use the epidemiological process to identify a community health need or problem.

The epidemiological process embraces three distinct phases. It begins by establishing that a problem exists within a community by identifying the agent/primary cause of the issue. This is achieved through evaluation of data pertaining to the assumed problem. Next, homogeneity of events is confirmed through synchronizing data retrieved with conclusions made by researchers in their studies whereby the host is identified. This includes the physical and psychological factors responsible for the occurrences. Thirdly, is identifying the environment from which the problem emerges (Begg & Zabor, 2012).

In articulating this process the agent identified was lack of social structure to support adolescents who have been introduced to using illicit drugs. The host was identified as the chemical drug marijuana. Socio economic factors are reflects the environment these adolescents find themselves. It includes single parent homes; project communities; drug and crime/ violence infested communities (Epidemiological process, 2014).

Identify organizations within the community that are developed to address this identified issue

The office of adolescent health is a valuable resource established across the country to address drug use among adolescents in the community. The problem has been described by this resource as use of illicit drug and misuse of legal drugs. From their investigations it was discovered that in 2013 one in every 15 high school senior in the community was a daily or near daily user of marijuana. Consequently interventions have been established to deal with the issue after identifying some critical underlying environmental factors predisposing to the issue (Office of Adolescent Health, 2014)

Organizing programs that would support adolescent mental health proved a very effective strategy in keeping youths off of both illicit and mis use of legal drugs. Building parental bounds was essential in restoring mental stability among adolescents. Other resources with collaborate with adolescent health are school drug programs and health care providers. These collaborative services help identify the problem and make referrals for early intervention (Office of Adolescent Health, 2014)

References

Begg, C., & Zabor, E.(2012). Detecting and Exploiting Etiologic Heterogeneity in          Epidemiologic Studies. Am J Epidemiol. 176: 512-518.

Epidemiological process (2014). The epidemiological triangle. Retrieved on March 18th, 2014 From http://w3.salemstate.edu/~bporemba/epi99/sld048.htm

Office of Adolescent health (2014). Illicit and Non-illicit Drug Use. Retrieved on March 18th, 2014 from http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/substance-abuse/illicit-and-non-drug-use.html