Dhs 603 - Introduction to Public Health

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United States there has been a reduction in the morbidity and mortality of preventable diseases. In a study done by Cara Dickinson, twelve vaccines were studied for historical and data up to 2005 to compare disease and death rates before and after the implementations of the twelve vaccinations. The vaccinations studied covered diseases: hepatitis A, smallpox, streptococcus pneumoniae, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, poliomyelitis, mumps, haemophilus influenza, rubella, and mumps

The results of the study showed that there was a 92% decrease in reported cases and a 99% decrease in the number of deaths prevented by the vaccines for diseases such as mumps, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, (Dickinson, 2008). The results of the study also report that smallpox has been eradicated worldwide and that there has been an elimination in the United States in the spread of measles, poliovirus, and rubella.

This achievement is attributed to the high vaccination rates during childhood. This is among the greatest of the ten public health achievements because prior to vaccinations countless numbers of

people died due to plaques and epidemics that were treatable. The life expectancy in the United States in the year 1900 for men was 46 and for women 48. Due to advancements with eradication and elimination of communicable diseases in recent years’ life expectancy has increased to 78 for males and 81 for females. The increase in life expectancy results in people staying in the workforce longer and leading more productive lives.

Conclusion

Public health encompasses a wide variety of health concerns in a population of people. These include: mental health, public policy, occupational health, environmental heath, and medical insurance to name a few. The purpose of public health is to improve the overall quality of life. This is accomplished by researching ways to improve health measures. This could be washing hands to prevent the spread of germs, using condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancy, and using vaccinations to eradicate diseases as examples of healthy preventative public health measures.

References

Atkinson, W., Hamborsky, M. (2015). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Poliomyelitis. (512 KB). 13th Edition. Washington, D.C: Public Health Foundation.

De Hert, M., Cohen, D., Bobes, J. (2011). Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level. World Psychiatry, 10, 138-151.

http: //www.ncbi,nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21633691

Dickinson, C. (2008). Vaccine-preventable disease rate reaches record low. Infectious Diseases in Children, Volume 21, Issue 1, page 31. ISSN: 1044-9779.

Moore, D.J., Posada, C. (2013). HIV and psychiatric comorbidities: What do we know and what can we do? High-quality care for HIV-infected individuals also requires vigilance regarding the mental health needs of patients. American Psychological Association.