What are social determinants of health? Explain how social determinants of health contribute to the development of disease. Describe the fundamental idea that the communicable disease chain model is designed to represent. Evaluate the steps a nurse can take to break the link within the communicable disease chain.
Social Determinants of Health and Contribution to Disease Development
Social determinants of health are defined by Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) as nonmedical aspects that have an effect on health outcomes. According to Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021), these factors influence how people are born, develop, work, and age. These determinants, according to Hill-Briggs et al. (2021), comprise a various elements like socioeconomic status, education, employment, among others. Such factors are socioeconomic position, education, employment, among others. Social determinants of health play substantial role in disease development. Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) assert that people with adverse socioeconomic determinants are more vulnerable various ailments. For example, exposure to environmental contaminants can increase the risk of serious chronic diseases.
Communicable Disease Chain Model
The communicable disease chain model, according to Adigun et al. (2019), depicts the sequential processes involved in the transmission and spread of infectious diseases. The fundamental concept illustrated by the chain of infection is that any link in the chain can be broken by an individual, limiting the disease’s spread. The model illustrates how the infectious agent is transmitted from the reservoir to a susceptible host and causing infection. Understanding this model helps nurses develop strategies to break the chain.
Steps to Break the Link in the Communicable Disease Chain
According to Adigun et al. (2019) nurses can break the chain of communicable diseases by;
- Actively monitoring and reporting cases of communicable diseases to public health authorities.
- Facilitating early detection and prompt intervention.
- Educating individuals and communities about proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and safe food handling.
- Promoting and providing immunizations.
- Educate the public on the necessity of vaccination and address any fears or misconceptions that may exist.
- Campaign for policies and initiatives that address health’s social determinants.
- Implementing appropriate isolation and quarantine measures to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
References
Adigun, K., Adeleke, A., Adewusi, O., Olubiyi, O., Halid, O., & Babalola, B. (2019). Modelling Infectious Diseases Using Markov Chain. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS), 61(1), 280-288.
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., … & Haire-Joshu, D. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: a scientific review. Diabetes care, 44(1), 258.
Nutbeam, D., & Lloyd, J. E. (2021). Understanding and responding to health literacy as a social determinant of health. Annu Rev Public Health, 42(1), 159-73.