Epidemiology: Global and Public Health

Epidemiology: Global and Public Health

Epidemiology studies the frequency of diseases or health conditions in different population groups, as well as the reasons for this frequency. The findings of such a study can then be used in strategies to help prevent the problems related to the condition, or indeed, to prevent the condition itself.

One key step is to identify a particular population that is at risk of the condition being studied. Specifically, the condition addressed here is teenage pregnancy in Fulton, Georgia. The population group addressed is therefore teenagers in Fulton, and the condition examined is unwanted pregnancy. The importance of this study relates to the fact that unwanted teenage pregnancy is not only a health issue, but also a sociological one. In the typical epidemiological study then, both strategies to mitigate the consequences of unwanted pregnancy and to prevent the phenomenon can be established.

Selecting the target population is an important issue. Often completely random selection is not possible. Examining the entire target population is also not a very feasible option. It is therefore often necessary to make a partially random selection by means of identifying an accessible subset within the target population. Fulton, GA is then selected as such an accessible subset, with a random population chosen to examine the teenage pregnancy problem.

This is a viable approach, because the subset is sufficiently representative of teenagers and their risk of unwanted pregnancy across the United States. Once teenagers in Fulton are therefore examined for their risk factors, the conclusions and strategies identified as a result can be applied to other similar population groups with a large degree of probable success.

In selecting the specific study population for this epidemiological investigation, it is required that there are three main similar characteristics: participating members must be female, within the teen age group, and resident in Fulton, Georgia.

For the year 2006, the demographics of Fulton, Georgia is as follows:

The total population for Fulton was 960,009. Of this, the percentage of children under 18 was 25%. The median household income from 2000 was $51,882, with individuals in poverty estimated at 15,4%. In the Healthy Children category, babies with a birth weight of more than 2,500 grams was 89,7%, with babies with low birth weight being 10.7%. Infant mortality per 1,000 for the county was 7.1. In terms of sexual activity among teenagers, teen pregnancies for ages between 15-17 per 1,000 was 35,7, and teen births for ages 15-19 per 1,000 were 41,6. Teen mothers giving birth to another child before she was 20 was 22,2%, and the incidence of STD for youths between 15-19 per 1,000 was 60,9. Teen deaths or ages 15-19 per 100,000 was 55.6. Teenagers dropping out from high school between ages 16-19 was 9%. In the same age group, those not working and not at school was also 9%. In terms of families, incidents of child abuse and/or neglect per 1,000 was 10,9. The unemployment rate was 4,8%, and children living in poverty was 24.6%. Families with an annual income of less than 150% of the federal poverty threshold was 27.3%. The crime rate for the 17 or older age group was 11 per 1,000 for the violent crime category, and 87 per 1,000 for other crimes.

Specifically, the rate of teenage pregnancy and births is of interest, along with other indicators of sexual activity such as STD's. This could be a factor affecting the health of teen mothers or mothers-to-be. Child abuse and/or neglect could also be included as a possible consequence of unwanted pregnancy. High school dropouts should be examined in terms of its relationship to teenage pregnancy. The crime rate could be related to the issue.

The three corners of the epidemiological triangle examines the investigative focus in terms of "what," "who," and "where." The "what" category is at the top of the triangle, and can be delineated as unwanted pregnancy. The "who" category is at the left corner, which can be describe as females in their teens, between 15 and 18 years of age. The "where" category is at the right corner, and can be delineated as Fulton, Georgia. All three categories interact with each other to offer conclusions for the study. Additional factors such as child abuse and the crime rate can then be examined in terms of these categories.

According to Rosenberg & Handler, descriptive epidemiology focuses on the pattern and frequency of health issues for a population group, while analytic epidemiology searches for the determinants of health outcomes. Generally, epidemiological studies tend to focus on both of these in order to most adequately examine and remedy the problems involved.

For the specific problem of teenage pregnancy in Fulton, however, it is estimated that a descriptive type of epidemiology would be more suitable. In this regard, it is estimated to be of greater importance to focus on a descriptive approach of the existing problem than on factors that prevent it. In order to prevent it, the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy is first to be examined for its causes and effects upon the population. Other related problems can then also be examined.

Only after such a description has been provided can preventative strategies be explored, along with strategies to help those with unwanted pregnancies. Related problems such as crime and high school dropouts, and child abuse cases as these integrate with teenage pregnancy can then be also treated in a preventative way.

As mentioned above, when the problem has been fully described, preventative measures can also be implemented. The problem of teenage pregnancy in fact needs to be addressed in a two-fold manner: both in treatment and in prevention. Teenage mothers-to-be are in need of programs to help them with the various medical and emotional aspects of their pregnancy, as well as decisions relating to the baby and their own lives. Some mothers for example may want to place their babies on adoption lists, while others may elect to raise the offspring themselves. A third group may opt for more extreme measures, such as abortion. Both these groups need to be examined and consulted accordingly.