As an Advanced Practice Nurse, you will care for patients who are at risk for specific diseases. Please pick one chronic or infectious disease specific to a population in your geographic area and provide evidence of risk, relative risk, and odds ratio in relation to that disease, and specific risks in the population you identified.
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Introduction: As an educator in the medical field, it is important to help students understand the significance of caring for patients who are at risk for specific diseases. In this context, I have designed an assignment for my medical college students where they need to identify a chronic or infectious disease that is specific to a population in their geographic area and provide evidence of risk, relative risk, and odds ratio in relation to that disease, and specific risks in the population identified.
Answer: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic disease that affects the lungs and breathing abilities of people living in my geographic area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research has shown that smoking is a key risk factor for developing COPD, and people with a history of smoking are 13 times more likely to develop the disease compared to non-smokers. In addition to smoking, prolonged exposure to air pollution is another significant risk factor for developing COPD.
The relative risk for developing COPD increases with age, and older adults are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the odds ratio for developing COPD is higher for men compared to women. Additionally, people who work in certain industries such as mining, construction, and agriculture are at an increased risk for developing COPD due to exposure to dust and chemicals.
In conclusion, the risk of developing COPD is significantly higher for individuals who smoke, are exposed to air pollution or work in certain industries. The relative risk and odds ratio for developing COPD are higher in older men than in women, and the disease is prevalent in my geographic area. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the risk factors associated with COPD to provide appropriate care and preventive measures to this population.
