Each essay must be at least 500 words and be referenced by at least 2 appropriate peer-reviewed journal articles. Introduction to the issue
o Why is this an important public health issue? o Why is it hard to solve? • Epidemiology
o Who is at risk? •Age group •Gender
•Ethnicity o Stick to US or California
o Give statistics whenever available •Bad–“x is more common among blacks”
•Good – “x is more common among blacks (36%) than the general population (24%) • Preventable risk factors
o Issues have risk factors just like diseases • Prevention (primary, secondary & tertiary as appropriate)
o How can the preventable risk factors be dealt with? 1. Spelling and grammar do count. Be sure to have multiple members proof-read your projects. 2. References must be included and be in the proper NLM format (see sample essays)
Pertinent features of the issue are missing or incorrect
The epidemiology of the issue is not present or incorrect
The risk factors for the issue are not present or incorrect
Methods for preventing the issue are not present or incorrect
Essay is not organized or unclear. Word choices and grammar are inappropriate or incorrect.
Fewer than 2 peer-reviewed references are provided or are inappropriate. References are not formatted appropriately.
The most pertinent features of the issue are presented based on journal articles
The epidemiology of the issue is described, with some errors or omissions
The important risk factors for the issue are covered appropriately based on journal articles
The most important methods for preventing the issue are covered correctly based on the risk factors. Includes primary, secondary & tertiary prevention as appropriate. Methods are informed by research articles.
Essay is well-organized, concise and clear. Grammatical elements are correct (e.g., spelling, punctuation, syntax).
2-3 appropriate peer-reviewed references are listed and used to inform the essay. References are formatted in NLM style.
The issue is presented in a clear and thorough fashion, with all pertinent features thoroughly informed by journal articles. Controversies regarding issue are included.
The epidemiology of the issue is covered comprehensively, including areas needing further study
The risk factors for the issue are covered comprehensively and based on research articles, including areas needing further study
A comprehensive review of methods for preventing the issue are covered, including areas needing further research.
Essay is written with excellent organization and clarity. All grammatical elements are accurate and help improve understanding and meaning. The report includes relevant examples and straight-forward language that enhances readability.
More than 3 appropriate peer-reviewed references are listed and used to address current research of the issue