Introduction
The three population-based communicable diseases analyzed are HIV/AIDS, STDs, and Diabetes (Healthy People 2020, 2013). The community considered is Miami, FL 33155. The diseases are assessed based on Healthy People 2020 Initiative goals. Frameworks to curb the diseases are given.
People who get tested for HIV and learn that they are infected can make significant behavior changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their sex or drug-using partners (Healthy People 2020, 2013).
Effects of HIV/AIDS
HIV is assessed to control concurrent infections, risk behaviors, and excess morbidity (Florida Health Department, 2013). HIV is among the leading causes of death in Florida. The county spends immense funds on the disease both in public and private sector. Eradicating it will promote quality of life.
HIV can result to reduced economic productivity in the community as productive people could be weakened or die due to HIV. Stigma among the patients could result to low self-esteem and thus make people socially withdrawn (Lundy & Janes, 2009).
Based on Healthy People 2020, the goal is to prevent HIV infection , related diseases and death. HIV is preventable and people can avoid transmission if they get tested. Behavior change among HIV+ individuals is vital as they are informed on how to avoid spreading it (Florida Health Department, 2013).
The goal of Healthy People 2020 is to ensure that all people live long and healthy lives. This calls for collaborative activities among all communities through behavior change so as to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Effects of STDs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases have become common in Florida and the rest of U.S. Indiscriminate sexual behaviors among couples is cited as the main cause for this. They cause reproductive health problems and cancer (Lundy & Janes, 2009). Such effects are irreversible and could lead to death of victims/patients.
Irrespective of their burdens, costs, and complications, and being preventable, STDs are public health problem in the United States. It is necessary to coordinate STD prevention efforts with the health care delivery system to leverage new developments provided by health reform legislation.
STDs have far reaching effects on the community in terms of costs. Treating STDs and informing the public on how to prevent it’s spread is expensive. Stigmatized people, especially youths resolve to drug abuse and crime. These assertions mean that putting in place frameworks to control STDs is mandatory.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year—almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24 (Healthy People, 2013). The cost of STDs to the U.S. health care system is estimated to be as much as $15.9 billion annually.
Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus (both Type 1 and Type 2) affect communities in Florida. The economic burden of controlling the disease is enormous (Florida Health Department, 2013). It also affects expectant mothers (in form of gestational diabetes). It lowers life expectancy, increases risk of heart diseases, and eventual death.
DM affects an estimated 23.6 million people in the United States and is the 7th leading cause of death (Florida Health Department, 2013).
Diabetes affects mostly at-risk communities and treating is costly. The objectives of Healthy People 2020 Initiative are focused on eradicating it. Social exclusion and withdrawal are common among people with diabetes. People with diabetes are limited in their activities (diets) thus feel out of place.
Despite all these, effective therapy can prevent or delay diabetic complications. Few people receive effective preventative care, which makes diabetes an immense and complex public health challenge (Healthy People, 2013).
Conclusion
Miami, FL can benefit from the Healthy People 2020 Initiative by implementing the epidemiological frameworks in place.
The initiative has plans of ensuring that people live long lives, in a healthy way.
Cost and social impacts such as low self-esteem or withdrawal from peers and stigma are major effects of communicable diseases.
References
Florida Health Department (2013). Communicable diseases. Web.
Healthy People 2020 (2013). Healthy People Homepage. Web.
Lundy, K & Janes, S (2009). Community Health Nursing: Caring for the Public’s Health. (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.