NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs

Walden University NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs-Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs                           

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs                         

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs                         

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs                         

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs                           

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs 

Epidemiology dwells on scientific methods of inquiry that is data-driven and relies on a systematic and unbiased approach to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. The methods rely on careful observation and use of comparison groups to assess whether what was observed, such as disease(s) or an exposure among persons with a disease, differs from what should be expected. Observational studies evaluate the association between a risk factor (exposure) and an outcome (disease). Friss and Sellers (2021) assert that observational studies apply careful measurement of patterns of exposure and disease in populations to draw inferences about etiology. Observational studies have two main subtypes: Descriptive and analytical. Descriptive studies identify cases by person, place, and time and develop hypotheses about the patterns and factors that increase risk of the disease. Analytical studies establish relationships between causative factors and the incidence of disease. Observational study designs are ecologic, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort. This discussion will identify association(s) between trauma and the development of paranoid schizophrenia.

Risk Factor and Health Outcome

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder with clinical manifestations of hallucinations, delusions, and thought process and movement disorders (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015). In paranoid schizophrenia, affected individuals experiencing delusions of persecution have an altered perception of reality and may see or hear things that do not exist. He or she may believe that they are being watched or others are trying to harm them. Exact cause(s) of this disorder is unknown. Scientists believe a combination of physical, genetics, psychological, and environmental factors are more likely to cause the condition. According to Smith, Robinson, and Segal (2021), environmental factors and high levels of stress are believed to cause episodes of schizophrenia by creating an imbalance in the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (Smith, Robinson, & Segal, 2018). To examine the association between increased stress and development of paranoid schizophrenia, a case-control study design is appropriate.

Strengths and Limitations of Study Design

In a case-control study, researchers enroll people with a disease (case group or case-patients) and a comparison group. The comparison group (controls), are people without the disease under study. Researchers then compare previous exposures between the two groups with the control group providing an estimate or baseline of the expected amount of exposure in that population. If the amount of exposure among the case group is significantly higher, then the disease is said to be associated with that exposure. An important aspect of a case-control study is to identify a control group comparable to the case group. This will help provide a reasonable estimate of the baseline or expected exposure. Case-control studies are inexpensive, quick, and easy (CDC, 2012).  Once samples are identified, data collection can be obtained from hospital and laboratory records. Friis and Sellers (2021) speculated that deciding on the diagnostic categories to select a control group and the controls not being a true representation of the exposure rates are the challenges (Friis & Sellers, 2021).

Improvements in Population Health

A case-control study design can provide understanding into how the disease affects populations in order to provide appropriate interventions. Management may include individual therapy for people who experienced trauma. Medication regimen, relation, attending support groups and exercising, and referral to social support resources may be beneficial to individuals with paranoid schizophrenia.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2012). Lesson 1: Introduction to epidemiology. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section7.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([CDC], 2015). Emergency department visits related to schizophrenia among adults aged 18–64: United States, 2009–2011. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db215.htm

Friis, R. H. & Sellers, T. A. (2021). Epidemiology for public health practice (6th Ed.). Sudbury,
MA: Jones & Bartle.

Smith, M., Robinson, L. & Segal, J. (2021). Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.htm

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 8310 Week 3 Discussion Observational Study Designs 

Study designs are important in epidemiology to determine what is known about a disease.   Relationships between risk factors and health outcomes can be explored through epidemiology study designs to measure prevalence, incidence, or test hypotheses for risk factors of disease and outcomes (Laureate Education, 2012). Observational study designs differ from each other and understanding their strengths and limitations are important to examine for public health problem investigation and public health benefits.

Second-Hand Smoke Risk in Children

Exposure to secondhand smoke at home in early life increases the risk for asthma in children.  Second-hand smoke also triggers asthma exacerbations in children, increasing their risk for hospitalization (Tooley et al., 2015).  This risk factor of second-hand smoke and the associated outcome of asthma can be explored using an observational, analytic, cohort study. This observational design is appropriate in prospectively studying the risk of parental smoking for asthma in children.

Cohort Studies Strengths and Benefits 

The risk factors between parental smoking and childhood asthma incidences can be strengthened using a cohort study. A cohort design study reduces uncertainty regarding the cause and effect timeline of exposure and outcome by collecting information about exposures before the outcome occurs  (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Cohort studies are also beneficial in following a population group over a period of time and establishing a hypothesis for factors leading to chronic disease. A prospective cohort study will follow children who are exposed to secondhand smoke over time by collecting data on the exposure, measuring the exposure, and direct measures of cigarette smoke concentration can be made (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Cohort studies are considered superior to other epidemiology study designs but are costly and the availability of exposure size and data collection may be limited ( Friis & Sellers, 2021).

Population Improvement 

The use of a cohort design to assess risk factors between parental smoking and childhood asthma can lead to population improvement by identifying potential methods for disease prevention (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Taking an epidemiology finding and using it as a basis for directing public health action to control disease and improve health is important in public health practice (Laureate Education, 2012).

 References

Friis, R.H., & Sellers, T.A. (2021). Study designs: Ecologic, cross-sectional, case-control.

Epidemiology for Public Health Practice (6th ed., pp.240-277). Jones & Bartlett.

Friis, R.H., & Sellers, T.A. (2021). Study designs: Cohort Studies. Epidemiology for

Public Health Practice (6th ed., pp. 282-319). Jones & Bartlett.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Epidemiology and population health: 

 Observational studies. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Tooley, E., Busch, A., McQuaid, E.L., & Borrelli, B. (2015). Structural and functional support in

the prediction of smoking cessation in caregivers of children with asthma. Behavioral

Medicine, 41(4), 203-210. Retrieved from

https://doi.org.10.1080/08964289.2014.931274