Week 2 – Assignment

Interpreting Data Charts

This assignment has multiple parts, please review each step carefully:

Step 1:

1. Differentiate between morbidity and mortality
2. Define morbidity rate and mortality rate.
3. Explain what these rates mean for epidemiologists
4. Explain what these rates mean for the general public

Step 2:
In the current issue of the MMWR, which you used for your discussion this week, click on “Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables.” When the document opens, note that this collection of tables represent the number of reported cases of notifiable diseases for the most current week.
In Table I (which should comprise the first two pages of the document):

1. Select two diseases that are listed down the left side of the page – make sure there were actual cases reported on those diseases by noting a number in the second column titled “current week.”
2. Summarize the nature of your two selected diseases uses scholarly sources (i.e. what is the disease, what are the symptoms, how does one obtain it)
3. Explain the trend in reported cases of the two diseases (you will need to review the other columns in the chart to find this information)

Student Help: See “Example Document-Step 2” of how to find and record this information

Step 3:
Scroll down to Table II (it usually starts on the third page of the mortality tables). This will basically encompass the majority of the document. Table II is a state by state listing of specific notifiable diseases.

1. Find your state for the following diseases: mumps, pertussis, gonorrhea, pneumococcal disease for all ages (NOT <5), syphilis, and hepatitis B. Note that they usually list three diseases per page.
2. Explain the trend in reported cases of each disease within your state.
3. Compare your states’ cases with the total listed for the United States (found at the top of each page in Table II).
4. Explain what this means to epidemiologists and the general public.

Student Help: See “Example Document-Step 3” of how to find and record this information.

The “Interpreting Data Charts” Assignment

• Must be at least 3 double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• Must include a separate title page with the following:
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must use at least 3 scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
• Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
• Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.