NR 503 Week 5: Epidemiology and Population Health Data Report

Assessment Brief: Analyzing Health Disparities via Epidemiological Metrics

Course Code: NR 503 – Population Health, Epidemiology, and Statistical Principles

Assessment Title: Week 5 Data Analysis Report

Level: MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

Length: 1,200 – 1,500 words

Format: APA 7th Edition

1. Overview and Rationale

Epidemiology provides the scientific foundation for advanced nursing practice by offering tools to track disease patterns and social determinants within specific populations. Master’s-prepared nurses must translate raw data into actionable health policies to reduce morbidity and mortality. You will select a chronic or infectious disease prevalent in your current region and analyze its impact through various epidemiological lenses.

Identifying high-risk groups requires a systematic look at incidence, prevalence, and various risk factors. Your report functions as a high-level briefing for a health department or clinical board. Accuracy in data interpretation ensures that resources go to the communities that need them most.

2. Learning Outcomes

• Calculate and interpret incidence and prevalence rates for a selected health condition.
• Evaluate the impact of social determinants on health outcomes for vulnerable groups.
• Utilize national databases to support evidence-based population health interventions.
• Appraise the effectiveness of current screenings and prevention programs.

3. Task Requirements

Organize your report using the specific sections described below to maintain a professional flow.

Introduction to the Health Condition

Identify one specific disease or health issue (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes, Opioid Use Disorder, or Influenza) affecting a population in your area. Provide a brief overview of why this condition poses a significant threat to public health. Clearly state the population of interest and the geographical scope of your report.

Epidemiological Data Analysis

Locate current data from the CDC, World Health Organization, or state health registries. Present the following metrics in a clear narrative format:

• Incidence and prevalence rates over the last three to five years.
• Mortality and morbidity statistics relevant to the population.
• Demographic breakdowns including age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Social Determinants and Health Disparities

Analyze how external factors contribute to the spread or severity of the condition. Focus on variables such as housing stability, food security, and access to primary care. Explain how these factors create health disparities for minority or underserved groups within your chosen population.

Advanced Practice Intervention and Evaluation

Propose a population-based intervention designed to improve outcomes. Specify if the intervention targets primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention. Detail the methods used to measure the success of this program and describe how data collection will continue during implementation.

4. Grading Rubric

Criteria	Developing (0-75%)	Accomplished (76-89%)	Distinguished (90-100%)
Condition and Population (20%)	General description lacks specific data or geographic focus.	Condition is clearly identified with local and national context.	Compelling identification of a health crisis supported by deep clinical context.
Data Accuracy and Interpretation (30%)	Statistics are outdated or used incorrectly.	Provides accurate incidence and prevalence rates.	Expertly interprets complex data sets to highlight significant trends.
Determinant Analysis (25%)	Mentions social factors without linking them to specific outcomes.	Connects social determinants to health disparities in the group.	Provides a sophisticated analysis of how environmental factors drive disease.
Proposed Intervention (15%)	Intervention is clinical rather than population-focused.	Proposes a logical health promotion or prevention strategy.	Designs a highly feasible, data-driven intervention with clear metrics.
Scholarly Tone and APA (10%)	Errors in formatting and grammar detract from the report.	Minor errors in APA style; professional tone is maintained.	Excellent academic writing; perfectly follows APA 7th edition standards.

5. 

Data from the local health department indicates that the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes among residents in the rural county increased by 12 percent between 2021 and 2024. Lack of reliable public transportation serves as a primary barrier to specialized endocrinology care for low-income adults in this region. Implementing a mobile health clinic would directly address these geographic barriers by providing screenings and education in localized community centers. Recent studies confirm that community-based screenings lead to earlier diagnosis and a measurable reduction in long-term complications (Gleason et al., 2021).

6. Learning Resources

1. Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. A. (2021). Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. (A core text for mastering statistical principles).
2. Gleason, K. T., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Wright, R., & Taylor, L. A. (2021). Population health and community-based screenings: A review of effective nursing models. The Diabetes Educator, 47(5), 452-461. https://doi.org/10.1177/01457217211046098
3. Curley, A. L. (2020). Population-based nursing: Concepts and competencies for advanced practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company. (Focuses on MSN-level competencies).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Social determinants of health: Know what affects health. https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html