Section 2: Research Methods The epidemiologic study design you would use to assess and address your population health problem Assessment strategies (i.e., if you were conducting a case-control study, how would you select your cases and controls? Regarding the methods and tools you would use to make these selections, how is it convenient for you as the researcher or as the investigator to use this tool?) Summary of the data collection activities (i.e., how you would collect data—online survey, paper/pen, mailing, etc.)

Section 2: Research Methods The epidemiologic study design you would use to assess and address your population health problem Assessment strategies (i.e., if you were conducting a case-control study, how would you select your cases and controls? Regarding the methods and tools you would use to make these selections, how is it convenient for you as the researcher or as the investigator to use this tool?) Summary of the data collection activities (i.e., how you would collect data—online survey, paper/pen, mailing, etc.)

Defining the Problem and Research Methods

Evidence-based nursing practice is universally acceptable in clinical settings following its associated numerous advantages. For instance, this practice is recognized for enhancing safety and quality patient care as well as facilitation of healthcare decision-making. However, evidence-based practice as the name sounds is founded on scientific research which is a stepwise process that commences with the identification of a distinct healthcare problem, formulation of relevant research hypothesis, selection of appropriate research design, collection of data, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of the findings. Subsequently, the significance of the findings and the nursing implications are stated. This assignment extensively explores two aspects of the aforementioned process namely definition of the problem and research methods.

The Problem

Thomas et al. (2020) in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health define health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This state of well-being is influenced by several determinants including behavioral, genetic, environmental, physical, economic, and psychosocial determinants. This paper however limits itself to the environmental and psychosocial factors. Thomas et al. (2020) further outline a spectrum of psychosocial factors including anxiety, insecurity, psychological distress, chronic stress, isolation, coping, perceptions, low self-esteem, self-efficacy, loss of sense of control, anger, high physical/psychological demand, religion, culture, and marital status. These factors are a collection of general factors at the human societal level associated with social structure and social processes as well as individual degree meanings and processes that influence mental state.

Surprisingly, the majority of the psychosocial factors eventually lead to stress. Chronic stress persistently activates the sympathetic system. The elevated catecholamines predispose to devastating health conditions including cardiovascular disease, asthma, renal disease, cancer, metabolic disorders, maladaptive behaviors, depression, anxiety disorders, and aggressive behaviors. Similarly, psychosocial factors that cause stress vary significantly with the environment (Albus et al., 2019).

The environment with which an individual interacts on a day-to-day basis influences his health. The environment varies considerably and includes school, work, or even at home among other places. For this assignment, the workplace will be the selected environment of choice. The workplace which is the medical unit contains diverse factors that negatively impact the health of the healthcare professionals. For instance, healthcare professionals are exposed daily to menacing health conditions such as COVID-19 as they strive to assist and offer care to the affected. It is not uncommon in this era to lack the necessary protective equipment while attending to their clients. Similarly, the healthcare environment predisposes the healthcare personnel to stress especially in the event of losing their clients to diseases. Finally, poor working conditions, high physical demand, low social demand, and plenty of occupational hazards present a constantly stressful environment to the healthcare staff which is a risk factor for numerous health problems.

This paper focuses on hypertension as the health problem of concern associated with a stressful work environment. Hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure correlating to a systolic blood pressure of equal to or greater than 130 mmHg and or diastolic blood pressure of equal to or more than 80 mmHg (Iqbal & Jamal, 2021). Hypertension has been widely studied and its innumerable complications including stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and renal disease have been well elaborated. The etiology of this condition is mostly idiopathic (essential hypertension) while secondary hypertension with identifiable etiology only equals less than 10% of total hypertension (Iqbal & Jamal, 2021). The risk factors for hypertension, on the other hand, are well known and include modifiable factors such as for overweight/obesity, smoking, alcohol use, psychological stress, physical inactivity, uncontrolled diabetes, and a diet rich in sodium and diminished potassium. Meanwhile, non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include positive family history, race and ethnicity, and advanced age (Iqbal & Jamal, 2021). The prevalence of hypertension globally is expected to rise making hypertension a global health con