Global Health Statistics Assignment
This is a three section-writing piece that will allow you to explore into one of the diseases/conditions that are of
interest to you. We shall begin this assignment in the classroom by doing some research into your topic focusing on three
guiding questions: What is it? What are the symptoms? And what causes it? The focus of this class is to provide you with a
background on your disease/condition that will help you gain a better understanding of how it works. Next week we will be
using this information to help us as we explore the world statistics regarding these diseases/conditions and the possible
meaning behind them.
Section 1: Background Information
1.
What is it?
In this first question you want to provide a very brief 1-2 sentence description that explains
exactly what the disease is.
2.
What are the symptoms?
In this second question you want to briefly list the symptoms/signs that are seen when someone
has this disease/condition. This should be done in 3-6 sentences.
3.
What causes it?
In the final question, we are looking into what causes the disease/condition. We want to know
where it comes from and how someone gets it. Focus on the most common cause. Should be between 3-6
sentences.
Eg. Tetanus
Tetanus is a condition when someone experiences prolonged uncontrollable contractions of skeletal muscles. They
have no control over their muscle contractions and it results in a very painful experience.
Symptoms generally begin with minor spasms located in the neck and jaw, resulting in something called lockjaw,
which is the inability to relax your jaw muscles. The spasms can also affect the chest, back, abdominal muscles and calf
region. Sometimes these spasms can affect the muscles involved in the respiratory system resulting in breathing difficulties.
Other symptoms include elevated temperature, sweating, high blood pressure and episodic rapid heart rate, which is the
random increase of heart rate for a short period of time. In severe cases of tetanus profuse sweating, fever and various heart
and lung complications can result in death within four days of contracting the infection.
Tetanus is caused by an infection from the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is often associated with
rust, especially in the case of rusty nails. The rust itself does not cause tetanus rather it provides a good habitat for the C.
tetani bacteria to live. Tetanus is most commonly contracted through a cut or puncture into the skin by rusty metal, resulting
in the exposure and infection by the bacteria.
Question 1: What is it?
Question 2: What are the symptoms?
Question 3: What causes it?
Bibliographic Information: use this information to help reference your material.
Print Book: Title, Author, Publisher, City and Year of Publishing
Online: Tell students to note the URL and they can complete the citation on Noodlebib.
Section 2: Statistical Comparison
In this second portion of the assignment you will be using an online excel spreadsheet from The World Health
Organization that has all the statistical information you need to make various comparisons regarding your disease/condition.
Access Spreadsheet Here:
http://go45.sd45.bc.ca/schools/rockridge/library/assignment/Pages/Global-Health-Statistics.aspx
You will make three comparisons:
1. The first is between developed countries and a region of your choice (between South Asia and developed
country)
2. The second is between age groups within a certain region (ages 0-4 and ages 65+0
3. The third is between genders within a certain region.
Comparison One (Between Regions)
Total Incidence in the World: _____________________________
Total Incidence in Developed Countries: _____________________
Total Incidence in a Region of Your Choice:
(Indicate Region):___________________ Total Incidence: ______________________
Indicate the number of thousands your figures above represent and note the year:
Comparison Two (Within the Same Region /Different Age Groups)
Total Incidence in (Indicate Region): ____________________________________________.
Total Incidence by Age
Note age group a). ___________________
Total incidence by group a: _____________________
Note age group b.)____________________
Total incidence by group b: ____________________
Be sure to indicate the number of thousands your figures above represent and note the year.
Comparison Three (Within the Same Region/ Different Genders)
Total Incidence in (Indicate Region):________________________________________________.
Total Incidence by Gender
Note gender a) _______________________
Total incidence by group a: ______________________
Note gender b.)_______________________
Total incidence by group b: ______________________
Be sure to indicate the number of thousands your figures above represent, and note the year
Statistical Comparison:
Once you have gathered all the statistics above, it is time to make a statistical comparison that is of interest. Using
that information, compare stats between countries, age groups or gender. When doing so use the following format when
beginning you comparison:
“According to the World Health Organization….(Always include the region/country you are making the comparison in).”
Here are some examples to help clarify:

Between Countries: “According to the World Health Organization in 2008 the estimated number of deaths from
tetanus in Developed Countries was 76 cases in comparison to 44, 120 cases in South Asia.”

Between genders: “According to the World Health Organization in 2008 the estimated number of deaths from
tetanus amongst men in South Asia was 27, 866 cases in comparison to 16, 255 cases amongst females.”

Between ages: “According to the World Health Organization in 2008 the estimated number of deaths from tetanus
amongst ages 0-4 in South Asia was 24, 783 cases in comparison to 2,082 cases amongst ages 30-44.”
Prediction: Now you need to make a prediction regarding the two statistics you are comparing. Try making a prediction
without looking up information, see if you can make an educated guess regarding the reasoning behind these statistics. The
theme of your prediction should be examining factors such as social, economic, political, cultural or environmental issues.
More than one factor can be included as well.
Eg. Tetanus
“I think that there are more deaths from Tetanus in South Asia in comparison to Developed Countries because
there is better access to tetanus vaccinations and quality health care in Developed Countries that could help prevent deaths
caused by tetanus. Which is likely due to the difference in quality of living amongst these two regions.”
In the space below write out the statistic you are interested in researching and your prediction as to why it is like that.
Write your statistical comparison below:
Write you prediction below: