Part I:
- Describe which currently has the largest impact on the nation’s health: infectious diseases or chronic diseases?
- Explain your response using epidemiological measures and supportive evidence from academic research.
Part II:
- Analyze how public health upholds individual rights while
protecting societal rights through prevention strategies of both types
of diseases (e.g., adding fluoride to the water to reduce dental
carries). - Discuss the ethical issues associated with the role of public
health in protecting societal rights as well as individual rights.
Utilize at least two scholarly sources (one could be the textbook) to support your points.
Guided Response: Imagine that you are an individual who
feels your rights are being violated because of a public health
initiative (e.g., helmet use, water fluoridation, seatbelt laws, etc.).
Respond to at least two of your classmates by posting an argument in
response to their analysis of how public health initiatives uphold
individual rights while protecting societal rights. In that response,
explain how public health might be viewed as infringing on your personal
rights. Support your argument with at least two scholarly sources (one
may be the textbook).
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your discussion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The impact of diseases on public health is an essential area that medical college students need to understand. In this context, the two major categories of diseases that affect the nation’s health the most are infectious diseases and chronic diseases. Additionally, public health initiatives play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the effects of these diseases while maintaining individual and societal rights. This essay will answer the questions presented, including relevant epidemiological measures and academic research.
Part I:
Infectious diseases and chronic diseases affect public health worldwide. However, chronic diseases have a more significant impact on the nation’s health than infectious diseases. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases account for more than 60% of all deaths and 75% of healthcare costs annually in the United States (CDC, 2021). These diseases are usually long-term and have a protracted impact on patients’ overall health, leading to disability, reduced quality of life, and early death. In contrast, infectious diseases usually have a short-term impact, and some individuals recover without treatment. Furthermore, the global incidence of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, has declined over the past decade, while the incidence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, has increased (Bloom et al., 2017).
Part II:
Public health initiatives play an essential role in preventing and mitigating the impact of diseases on individuals and society while maintaining individual and societal rights. Public health laws and regulations are based on the principles of autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence. These principles balance individual rights with the common good, ensuring that individuals’ choices do not adversely affect others. Public health strategies, such as vaccines, water fluoridation, and environmental policies, promote healthy behaviors and reduce the incidence of diseases. These initiatives are guided by laws and regulations that protect individuals from communicable diseases while respecting individual rights.
However, public health initiatives are sometimes viewed as infringing on personal rights by some individuals. For example, a person may object to water fluoridation, arguing that it violates their right to informed consent and medical autonomy. In response, public health advocates may argue that water fluoridation is essential for reducing dental caries and that it is safe for human consumption. Public health laws and regulations seek to balance individual rights with the common good by implementing strategies that have been deemed effective in mitigating the impact of diseases on individuals and society.
Conclusion:
Public health initiatives play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the impact of diseases on individuals and society. Chronic diseases are currently having a more significant impact on public health than infectious diseases. Public health laws and regulations are designed to balance individual rights with the common good, ensuring that individuals’ choices do not adversely affect others. While some individuals may view public health initiatives as infringing on personal rights, these initiatives are guided by scientific research and have been deemed effective in mitigating disease incidence and promoting healthier behaviors.
