Discussion Post 2: Demographic and Epidemiological Assessment

Discussion Post 2: Demographic and Epidemiological Assessment For this post, you will collect assessment data about your city or county. This post will include information about demographics (general characteristics) and epidemiological data (disease or health behavior rates) of your community. This data collection will help with two sections of your Week 4 Milestone 2 assignment. 1. Demographic data: Go online to the U.S. Census Bureau at 2. Epidemiological data: Go to your city or county health department website (search the Internet) or County Health Rankings ( Here is a helpful tip sheet about the U.S. Census website that will assist you in using this website as a resource. INSTRUCTOR: BEGIN: Demographic and Epidemiological Assessment of St. Petersburg, FL, Pinellas County Instructor Grossi and Classmates, Florence Nightingale was a true pioneer in studying the relationship among environment, disease, and patients. Today, these studies continue to drive programs aimed at health promotion and disease prevention. Nurses working in the community are aware that there are different models for studying the epidemiology of a health condition in a population. One model of investigation of the interrelationships and characteristics of disease is the epidemiologic triangle. This model analyzes agent, host, an environment (Neis & McEwen, 2015, p. 70). By familiarizing oneself with statistical data developed through census and public health records, identification of corrective action plans can emerge. Different epidemiologic models were developed to study the many factors involved in the development of the health conditions plaguing communities –the web of causation model guides epidemiologists in researching factors associated with chronic illnesses (Neis & McEwen, 2015, p. 73). Investigative efforts often lead to identification of effective prevention measures –providing prevention for the community before has developed is a key initiative. As the Lesson (2015) discusses the value of studying epidemiological data to designing primary prevention efforts is paramount. Demographics St. Petersburg, FL (Pinellas County) per U.S. Census Bureau, population in 2010 was 929,043. Further, according to U.S Census Bureau, as of 2010, St Petersburg, Pinellas County had 129,401 households of which 15.9% were unoccupied. 23.85% of households had children of 18 years and below, 37.29% are married couples living in the same household. 13.8% of households have a female householder as the head with no other adult partner present. 43.8% are non-families, and 35.6% are households with single individuals. 13.3% of households has someone ages 65 years and above living alone. Households average size is 2.10, and average family size is 2.865. The city’s population is spread out such that 21.5% are under the age of 18 years, 7.7 range from 18-24, 30.2% from 25-44, 23.1% from 45-64, and 17.4% aged 65 years and above. The median age is 39.24 years. The ratio of men to women is about 91.2 for every 100 females, and for every 87.7 males aged 18, and over, there are 100 females. The median income for an average household in the city is $34,597, and that of a family $43,198. Males have a median income of $30,794 versus $27,860 for females. The city’s per capita income is $21,107. Approximately 26.2% of families and 17.8% of the total population lives below the poverty line, including 32.2% of persons under the age of 18 and 14.1% the ages of 65 years and above (U.S. Census Bureau). Epidemiology 87.3% of non-Hispanic whites have health care coverage compared to 76.1% non-Hispanic Blacks. 21.8% of Non-Hispanic Blacks and 29.5% of Hispanics report forgoing medical services and treatment due to costs. 21.5% of people with an annual income of below $50,000 report not receiving medical treatment compared to 3.9% of those with an annual income of above $50,000. The priority health concerns for Pinellas County – • Diabetes -11% percentage of adults aged 20 and above with are diagnosed diabetes. • Obesity - around 65% of adults in the city have an unhealthy weight and 1 out of 3 kids are considered to be obese or overweight. • Poverty –With 17.8% of the population living in poverty health prevention is essential as affordability of treatment and education is unlikely. • HIV - 3,396 cases per 100,000. Fortunately, St. Petersburg does offer many programs for health check-ups and medication compliance. • Nutrition -16% of the population lacks food security –access to adequate food. (County Health Rankings). Chamberlain College of Nursing/CCN. (2015). Introduction to community and public health nursing. [e-college]. Retrieved from County Health Rankings ( Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2015). Community/Public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier. U.S. Census Bureau RESPOND: Machaela, Your community sounds quaint per size and based on the demographics appears to be a middle-class society in which education is a valued element. Also, is evident through many counties researched by the class that the key concerns across America are obesity, smoking, and nutrition. I too am astounded at the rate of deaths before at 18 at such a high percentage. In Pinellas County , the primary culprits of mortality are cancer and heart disease and outweigh total Florida death rates by these as well as unintentional injury and diabetes. Another statistic I found interesting but expected in reading these posts is that there are more women than men in total populations. Homelessness is a major health factor in Pinellas County with 20-30% suffering from mental health disorders. This exercise has truly opened my eyes to see more of my community than I had previously known and has invited fresh insight to my role as a nurse. Reading these posts confirms the need for nurses to utilize their knowledge and efforts to reach the community before illness develops. Thank you for your research, Sherri