Epidemiology of health promotion

Epidemiologic studies enable clinicians and other researchers to predict the likely causes of diseases, disease outbreaks and guide in their prevention and interventions (CDC, 2012). Through studies and disease surveillances, it is possible to identify the disease triad, their agents, route of infection and spread and develop sound approaches to the disease prevention and mitigation of risks (CDC, 2012). Epidemiology also plays a critical role in guiding individuals on day to day health decisions. Epidemiological information informs on healthy behaviors for disease prevention such as cessation of smoking, regular exercise among others. An advance practice nurse can utilize epidemiological information on a community’s health to reach decisions on the health interventions that can be made within such a community. It is an imperative for the advanced nurses to fully understand and integrate epidemiology in the practice areas and ensure effective disease surveillance and collaborations with epidemiological teams to ensure that holistic care is provided.