Epi pop Falls among Elders
examine a population focused populations health issue, from both an
epidemiological and ecological perspective. There are three phases to the project.
Phase I - Data
Gathering: will include a scope of the problem gathering relevant epidemiological data as well as
looking at the ecological perspective. An appropriate epidemiological model will be linked to this
phase to explain the data.
Phase II - Analysis and Synthesis: students will critically analyze and
synthesize collected data leading to the identification of a primary risk for a target population.
Phase III - Program Design: students will design a primary prevention health care program with
the goal of decreasing exposure of the target population to the risk and considering how the
program will function within the current health care environment. A health promotion model will
be described as it works to support the program. An evaluation method will be included as part of
the program plan.
phase I - Data Gathering: This phase will include a
scope of the problem using a relevant epidemiological model, as well as looking at the
epidemiological and ecological perspective of the issue (social, economic, political and ethical).
This may be laid out in a narrative format or bullets etc.
Data Gathering Criteria:
1. Epidemiological perspective:
o Occurrence of the problem (morbidity - prevalence, incidence)
o Severity of the problem (mortality – incidence)
o Look at demographics: gender, gender, education, income,
geographic areas where most prevalent
o Surveillance methods
o Current efforts to relieve the problem & the efficacy of these
measures
o Explain within and epidemiological model.
. Ecological perspective (a multi-dimensional perspective that looks beyond health).
o Political aspects (health policies, political interests that may be
factors in increasing this issue.
o How does income level effects on the issue?
o What are social & cultural effects on the issue that may lead to
increased risk?
o What are the environmental effects on this issue that may lead to
increased risk?
Phase I - Data Gathering
Scope of the Problem
One population-focused public health issue that is of significant concern is obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It is also a leading cause of death in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese. Obesity rates are higher among certain populations, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians.
Epidemiological Data
The following epidemiological data provides a snapshot of the obesity epidemic in the United States:
- In 2019-2020, the prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States was 41.9%.
- The prevalence of obesity was higher among women (44.8%) than men (37.9%).
- The prevalence of obesity was higher among African Americans (49.6%) and Hispanics (45.8%) than non-Hispanic whites (41.1%).
- Food systems: The availability, affordability, and accessibility of healthy foods are important determinants of obesity.
- Physical activity environments: The opportunities for physical activity are also important determinants of obesity.
- Socioeconomic status: People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be obese.
- Race and ethnicity: People of color are more likely to be obese.