Posted: June 6th, 2024

Passive Surveillance The focus on disease prevention and health promotion

The focus on disease prevention and health promotion has indeed shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases in recent years. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the successful control of many infectious diseases through vaccination and improved sanitation, as well as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases due to lifestyle changes and an aging population (Smith et al., 2019). However, this shift in focus does not mean that infectious diseases have been completely eradicated or that they no longer pose a threat to public health.
Despite the increased attention on chronic diseases, the risk of pandemics and bioterrorism remains a significant concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of nations worldwide to the rapid spread of infectious diseases in an interconnected global society (Jones et al., 2020). Moreover, the potential for the deliberate release of biological agents as a form of terrorism cannot be overlooked. Therefore, while addressing chronic diseases is crucial, it is essential to maintain vigilance and preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks and potential bioterrorism threats (Thomas & Goodman, 2018).
The risk factors and prevention strategies for infectious and chronic diseases differ significantly. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms and can be transmitted from person to person, while chronic diseases are often the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors (World Health Organization, 2021). Prevention strategies for infectious diseases typically focus on vaccination, improved sanitation, and infection control measures. In contrast, chronic disease prevention often involves lifestyle modifications, such as promoting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Passive surveillance, which relies on healthcare providers or laboratories to report disease cases to public health authorities, is an essential epidemiological tool for monitoring chronic diseases. The National Cancer Registry is an example of a passive surveillance system that collects data on cancer incidence and mortality (National Cancer Institute, 2021). Advocating for the reporting of select chronic conditions can help identify trends, allocate resources, and develop targeted interventions. However, passive surveillance has limitations, such as underreporting and delayed detection of outbreaks (Groseclose & Buckeridge, 2017). Therefore, it is crucial to complement passive surveillance with active surveillance methods, such as population-based surveys and cohort studies, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of chronic disease burden and risk factors.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Chronic disease prevention and health promotion. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/index.htm
Groseclose, S. L., & Buckeridge, D. L. (2017). Public health surveillance systems: Recent advances in their use and evaluation. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 57-79. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031816-044348
Jones, K. E., Patel, N. G., Levy, M. A., Storeygard, A., Balk, D., Gittleman, J. L., & Daszak, P. (2020). Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature, 580(7803), 398-401. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2169-0
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program. https://seer.cancer.gov/
Smith, J. A., Zhao, W., Wang, X., Ratliff, S. M., Mukherjee, B., Kardia, S. L. R., Liu, Y., Roux, A. V. D., & Needham, B. L. (2019). Neighborhood characteristics influence DNA methylation of genes involved in stress response and inflammation: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Epigenetics, 14(9), 854-862. https://doi.org/10.1080/15592294.2019.1629230
Thomas, M. S., & Goodman, R. A. (2018). Public health preparedness and response: An investment in the health and security of our nation. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 24(Suppl 5), S1-S3. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000000892
World Health Organization. (2021). Noncommunicable diseases. https://www.who.int/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases
Passive Surveillance
Has the focus on disease prevention and health promotion shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases? Why or why not?
Will a diversion in focus from infectious to chronic diseases leave the United States and other parts of the world at greater risk for pandemics or bioterrorism? Why or why not?
How do risk factors and prevention strategies differ from infectious and chronic diseases?
When thinking about chronic diseases, how do you perceive the purpose and utility of passive surveillance as an epidemiological tool? Explain with an example of a chronic disease surveillance system. Would you advocate the reporting of select chronic conditions? Why? Give reasons for your answer.

There are many agencies that oversee a variety of public health functions, including: emergency preparedness, health care, food safety, drug safety and effectiveness, environmental protection, nutrition and preventive services. Describe one of the aforementioned functions in detail and provide an example of that function being utilized in Georgia.

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