A Conflictive Triuvirate Consruct of Epidemiologic Systems Failure
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 A Conflictive Triuvirate Consruct of Epidemiologic Systems Failure Ngozi Lois Ulinwa Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Epidemiology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Health Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Ngozi Lois Ulinwa has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Ji Shen, Committee Chairperson, Public Health Faculty Dr. Marilyn Simon, Committee Member, Public Health Faculty Dr. David Segal, University Reviewer, Public Health Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract A Conflictive Triumvirate Construct of Epidemiologic Systems Failure by Ngozichukwuka Ijeoma Lois Ulinwa MPH, A.T Still University BAIS, Marylhurst University AA, Clackamas Community College AGS, Clackamas Community College Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health, Epidemiology Walden University November 2019 Abstract Epidemiologic systems failure (ESF) is a major hurdle in minimizing the spread of infectious diseases during outbreaks. The reasons for ESF include the technical limitation of personnel handling epidemic crises, strictly defined health policies that limit the actions of epidemiologists, and personal perspective’s reservations towards the intentions of health agencies. The purpose of this triumvirate mixed-methods case study was to examine factors of infectious disease control mechanisms useful for determining ESF. Three juxtaposed pre-emptive factors (technical [T], organizational [O], and personal [P] perspectives were used to determine how the multiple perspectives inquiring systems and fuzzy logic revealed factors causing ESF so that remedial tools may be constructed. The juxtaposed ESF-TOP model formed the research theoretical framework and allowed for clustering the ESF factors. Data sources were direct quotations from TOP based secondary data of 4 well-publicized participants; who had Ebola, HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis, or Typhoid disease; and randomized quantitative TOP hypothetical data sets were created with Microsoft Excel software and used to model an Ebola outbreak of 10 theoretical subjects. Data were analyzed using TOP guidelines from which T, O, and P perspective themes emerged. The findings indicated that a disjointed TOP perspective specifies a serious ESF, a strictly overlapped TOP indicates an effective containment of ESF, and the overall fuzzy set with T given O and P indicates the actual ESF. The findings may result in positive social change by helping epidemiologists identify critical outbreak control factors which may minimize the outbreak impact. A Conflictive Triumvirate Construct of Epidemiologic Systems Failure by Ngozichukwuka Ijeoma Lois Ulinwa MPH, AT, Still University BAIS, Marylhurst University AA, Clackamas Community College AGS, Clackamas Community College Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health, Epidemiology Walden University November 2019 Dedication According to the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 everything under the heaven happens in its season and in its time of purpose. Intrinsically, the time for this dissertation is right and rightfully dedicated to God the creator, the center of my existence. Should, I exist without recognizing and embracing his presence, the owner of the universe, my life would be meaningless and monotonous. Imperatively, this dissertation is to honor the almighty God, the ultimate power, the Omni potent, Omni present and Omni science through whose guidance this dissertation manifested. Also, in dedication, is my unrivaled spouse, (Chief) V. C. Ifeanyichukwu Ulinwa, (Ph.D.) whose interminable support and altruism are unimaginable. In the same token, is late, Mrs. Ezidigwu C. Ulinwa, aka. Madam Gold, my mother in-law, whose endurance and sacrifices made possible the earliest foundation of this dissertation; regrettable you did not witness the completion of this research work. Also, in dedication is late Madam Abigail Nwagwo Okaforanyanwu, once a great worrier and a wonderful inspiration. To late Elder Paul Nwanpka, my father, you taught me the wonderful ways of the almighty God, and also embraced my accomplishments. Also, in dedication, is late Ihunna, your display of sweet sisterly love will remain cherished in my heart always Finally, my uncle late Wereucheye Nwadike, whose heroic effort perpetuated my birth and today, made possible the completion of this scientific accomplishment. Acknowledgments I acknowledge the profound interest of Dr. Ji Shen, and his acceptance to serve as my committee chairperson. I recognize my URR team: Dr. Dana Chad Moretz, my initial URR member whose swift approval of my proposal made it possible for the dissertation to move forward; and Dr. David Segal, my second URR member whose review focused that I conduct and provide a scholarly study. Also, in acknowledgement is Dr. Kachgal the Walden University editor with an extensive and detailed edition of this study. Every scholarly dissertation has a beginning: I warmly acknowledge Dr. Morton Wagenfeld for accommodating the first appointment to serve as my dissertation committee chairperson but retired in the process. Your commitment, impeccable advisement, feedbacks, and comments in the initial stage were set toward completing this research and your endless sense of humor was an addition. I acknowledge Dr. Marilyn K. Simon. Your unweaving willingness to support this dissertation and to serve as the second committee member is unmeasurable. An educator like you is encountered only once in a scholar’s life. Because you humbly and graciously dispensed your knowledge toward guiding the completion of this dissertation, your character toward learning and to scholars questing for such knowledge is unequivocal. You provided support by reading, evaluating, commenting and offering outstanding feedbacks through all stages of this dissertation. Remaining from the beginning of the dissertation process to the end speaks volume of your dedication to scholars I thank you. Also in acknowledgement, is Ms. Janel Jones, my academic advisor, every time, I email you to ask for one thing or another you were willing to assist promptly. I acknowledge also Dr. Nancy Rea, for taking the time to look through my IAP forms and approving an extension each quarter that I appeal. I acknowledge also Mary Magadalean Trout, my good friend at Head Start for all your kind support and words of encouragement during my time there. Also, in appreciation is my brilliant and exceptional husband, (Chief) Dr. V.C. Ifeanyichukwu Ulinwa, it is impossible to express or describe your endless supportive roles, understanding, guidance and encouragement to keep moving forward. My best friend, words are never enough to express your goodness as you propagate the stars and twinkles in my eyes. To my children, I thank God almighty that my life is full and fulfilled with all of you in it and you have made me proud in managing every aspect of your affairs and the home in my absence. As you each strive toward reaching your academic goals, earnestly I am, encouraged that with this giant academic achievement, you will each be inspired to endeavor toward reaching your academic milestones. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................2 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................4 Research Questions ........................................................................................................5 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................5 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................7 Definitions......................................................................................................................7 Assumptions ...................................................................................................................8 Scope and Delimitations ................................................................................................9 Limitations .....................................................................................................................9