Identify the problem in the introduction section.  

Purpose

The concepts of epidemiology provide the framework for the study of infectious and chronic health issues/diseases, which provides a rich source of data for the analysis of trends in disease and health. This assignment will offer the opportunity to explore the population health effects associated with Oral Health.  You will identify populations at risk for OralHealth, for instance those with co-morbidities or the frail living at home, and design a population focused educational intervention for your target population.  In addition, you will look at what outcomes will be addressed to determine if your interventions are effective.  This paper should integrate HP2020 and CDC information into your paper.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this assignment, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Identify appropriate outcome measures and study designs applicable to epidemiological sub-fields such as infectious disease, chronic disease, environmental exposures, reproductive health, and genetics. (CO3)
2. Identify important sources of epidemiological data. (CO6)

Due Date: Sunday by 11:59pm MT of Week 2

Students are expected to submit assignments by the time they are due. Assignments submitted after the due date and time will receive a deduction of 10% of the total points possible for that assignment for each day the assignment is late. Assignments will be accepted, with penalty as described, up to a maximum of three days late, after which point a zero will be recorded for the assignment. Quizzes and discussions are not considered assignments and are not part of the late assignment policy.

Total Points Possible: 125 Points

Requirements

1. Research Topic: Oral Health
   • This assignment will offer the opportunity to explore the population health effects associated with oral health. You will identify how oral health effects various populations (you may choose a group, such as school-aged children or the menopausal woman) and address the impact of poor oral (outcome identification). Additionally you will use the identified outcomes to craft primary, secondary and tertiary objectives for primary care.
2. Identify your target population (for instance, age or other demographic, aggregate population); this must be in your city or state.
3. Discuss population-based health education interventions for your target population that is aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality for the problem. Be sure to review the research literature and HP2020 for interventions.
4. Identify how and what data for interventions is being tracked.
5. In a four (4) page paper, address the following. Refer to rubric for expanded details related to grading expectations.
   • Identify the problem in the introduction section.
   • Provide an overview of the problem in your state/national.
   • Review of descriptive epidemiological and demographic data on mortality/morbidity and risk.
   • HP2020:  Present the goal, overview and objectives of Healthy People 2020 for the paper topic.
   • Population level prevention and health promotion review. Describe population and/or primary health care focused interventions. Use of scholarly literature and HP2020 is required.  There should be direct correlation to evidence for all strategies.

Best Practices in Preparing the Project