Role of Education in Preventing Infection †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Role of Education in Preventing Infection. Answer: Introduction: The social model of health proposed by Dahlgren and Whitehead (1991) elaborated on the different determinants of human health. They described a social ecological theory related to health. This model demonstrated that the socio-economic health status is determined by education, occupation and income (Dahlgren and Whitehead 2017). This essay will illustrate the role of education in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases occur due to interplay between several microorganisms that act as pathogens and the host defense mechanism. The severity of such diseases depends upon the pathogens capability to damage the resistance power of the host. The common modes of transmission of such diseases are through contaminated food and water, air, vectors, droplets and direct contact (Bennett, Dolin and Blaser 2014). The World Health Organization states that extensive research, training and education is required for infection control. Education creates an awareness of the risks associated with these diseases and the management strategies that need to be adopted for patients who are carriers (Wu et al. 2012). Imparting adequate knowledge of vaccine is another approach. If people are made aware of the precautionary measures proposed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of transmission of contagious diseases will significantly reduce. Awareness of handling and disposal of contaminated linen, clinical wastes, clearing food spillage has effectively reduced the spread of several blood borne disease. Several countries have shown reduced incidence of diseases like Hepatitis and Noroviruses by training the community to follow adequate handwashing and decontamination techniques (Denniston et al. 2012). Educating people on exclusion of infected persons lowers the risk of spreading the disease (Long, Pickering and Prober 2012). Health education for diarrhea involves educating people about the risk factors, the ways of transmission of enteric infections, role of oral rehydration solutions in prevention and the importance of safe disposal of excreta and maintenance of food and water hygiene. Studies have proved that health education has he lped in lowering crowded living conditions and avoiding respiratory disorders among people. Informal education and documentation of the infection reports and measures help in enhancing the knowledge about necessary precautionary measures (Giesecke 2017). Family education is essential for chronically infected patients. The midwives or nurses should advise the family on the care measures that need to be adopted. Information on universal precaution strategies and vaccinations will help the family members to diagnose the disease when mild symptoms appear and care for the affected person in recovery stage (Morse 2012). Mass educational campaigns, house-to-house visits to create awareness for use of Polio vaccines have led to its eradication from India (Xiao, Tang and Wu 2015). Infectious diseases are also prevented by explaining the immunization policies and encouraging parents to ensure that their child completes all primary immunization courses. Thus, it can be concluded that educational programs increase the awareness for noscocomial infections and improve the control practices. Orientation programs alert the healthcare staff on new procedures and policies that should be implemented. Sound knowledge of health hazards, risk factors that can increase their vulnerability and best control measures significantly lower incidence rates of infectious diseases. References Bennett, J.E., Dolin, R. and Blaser, M.J., 2014.Principles and practice of infectious diseases. Elsevier Health Sciences. Dahlgren, D. and Whitehead, M., 2017. European Strategies for tackling social inequalities in health: levelling up part 2.Health. Denniston, M.M., Klevens, R.M., McQuillan, G.M. and Jiles, R.B., 2012. Awareness of infection, knowledge of hepatitis C, and medical follow?up among individuals testing positive for hepatitis C: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001?2008.Hepatology,55(6), pp.1652-1661. Giesecke, J., 2017.Modern infectious disease epidemiology. CRC Press. Long, S.S., Pickering, L.K. and Prober, C.G., 2012.Principles and practice of pediatric infectious disease. Elsevier Health Sciences. Morse, S.S., 2012. Public health surveillance and infectious disease detection.Biosecurity and bioterrorism: biodefense strategy, practice, and science,10(1), pp.6-16. Wu, Q., Fu, X., Small, M. and Xu, X.J., 2012. The impact of awareness on epidemic spreading in networks.Chaos: an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science,22(1), p.013101. Xiao, Y., Tang, S. and Wu, J., 2015. Media impact switching surface during an infectious disease outbreak.Scientific reports,5.