International Journal of Infectious Diseases Essay

Homeless and Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is not an uncommon disease, and it is quite common in environments with poor air quality. Tuberculosis is a mycobacterium respiratory disease that may be caused by the poor air quality in the atmosphere where people breathe. The air which they breathe is contaminated by the mycobacterium, so when it enters into their lungs it leads an infection in the lungs of those who are exposed. Pulmonary tuberculosis is commonly found in among people that live in unsanitary living conditions such as the homeless population. This group of people is the most vulnerable to have lung disease, because of their unhealthy living conditions.

Social Determinants of Health Influencing the Health Issue

Social determinants influencing the rate high rate of tuberculosis in people of Jersey City include lacking economic and social basic needs. This is a dynamic phenomenon that involves a variety of causes including lack of schooling, low wages, overpopulation, and unemployment (Craig et al., 2017). The social determinants and circumstances in which individuals live are accountable for a significant portion of the health disparities and the heightened risk of TB. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Essay.

Several reports have suggested a correlation between the per capita GDP and the prevalence of TB. The addition of other proximal determinants in explanatory variables suggests that the influence of poverty on TB is the product of multiple factors and mechanisms). Socioeconomic inequality results in poor housing, overcrowding, and malnutrition, which raises the chances of TB infection, increase susceptibility to illness, and the likelihood of adverse health outcomes. The correlation between homelessness and TB has long been recognized and studies have shown a greater prevalence of TB and a reduced response rate in these patient groups. Nevertheless, among these individuals, age, HIV co-infection, and drug use are indicators of ineffective treatment.

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Overcrowding has as well been linked with a higher risk of TB exposure in New Jersey. Living conditions can impact the risk of exposure due to poor ventilation and the condition of indoor air. Important correlations with overpopulation and notification of TB have been established. Bad dietary condition is an important risk aspect for tuberculosis. There is a strong dose-response association between the extent of undernutrition and the likelihood of TB occurrence. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Essay.

Proposed innovative solutions

Since tuberculosis is a significant concern in homeless people, the Advisory Council for the prevention of tuberculosis should establish guidelines to support health care professionals, emergency facilities, shelter managers and staff, social welfare organizations, and homeless people in the prevention and management of TB in this community (Gupta et al., 2017). Every homeless individual with a fever and persistent cough for longer than 2 weeks must be suspected of developing TB, and suitable diagnostic tests should be performed.  Proven or suspected TB individuals in the homeless community should be identified directly to the department of health so that a recovery plan can be agreed upon and possibly affected people found and investigated possible.

Potential Partners (Stakeholders)

As a public health nurse leader, the stakeholders that we will join hands in controlling TB in New Jersey include the National Health Care for the Homeless people who would help in connecting homeless institutions and TB control approaches (Jackson et al., 2019). We would also join hands with the Emergency Solutions Grants Program who will offer funds to homeless communities. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Essay.

References

Craig, G. M., A. Daftary, N. Engel, S. O’driscoll, and A. Ioannaki. “Tuberculosis stigma as a social determinant of health: a systematic mapping review of research in low incidence countries.” International Journal of Infectious Diseases 56 (2017): 90-100.

Gupta, V., Sugg, N., Butners, M., Allen-White, G., & Molnar, A. (2015). Tuberculosis among the homeless—preventing another outbreak through community action. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(16), 1483-1485.

Jackson, C., Gardy, J. L., Shadiloo, H. C., & Silva, D. S. (2019). Trust and the ethical challenges in the use of whole genome sequencing for tuberculosis surveillance: a qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives. BMC medical ethics, 20(1), 43.

Current issue:   Homeless and high rates of tuberculosis in Jersey City, New jersey

• Which social determinants of health are influencing the health issue?

• What innovative solutions to this issue might you propose?

• Identify potential partners (stakeholders) who should join you, as a public health nurse leader, in your efforts to address this health issue? International Journal of Infectious Diseases Essay.