Module 2 – Case

DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS

Case Assignment

This is a three-part assignment related to a study of contraceptive drug use among women. Table2A is a distribution of systolic blood pressures cross tabulated by age and pill use for women.

Table 2A. Distribution of systolic blood pressure, cross-tabulated by age and pill use.

Blood Pressure

(mm)

Age 35-44

Non-Users

Users

%

%

Under 90

1

1

91-95

2

1

96-100

5

4

101-105

9

5

106-110

11

7

111-115

15

12

116-120

16

14

121-125

9

11

126-130

10

11

131-135

8

10

136-140

5

7

141-145

4

6

146-150

2

5

151-155

1

3

156-160

1

1

160 and over

1

2

Total Percent

100

100

Total Number

3,494

1,028

First, state whether blood pressure in Table 2A would be a continuous variable or a discrete variable. Explain. Then supposing that the number of women in each of groups (non-users and users) were identified, would the number of women in each category be a continuous variable or a discrete variable? Explain.

Part 2: Use any free online histogram maker* to draw histograms for the blood pressures of the users and nonusers ages 35–44. Discuss one conclusion that can be made about blood pressure and pill use. *Here are some free resources: 

http://www.zweigmedia.com/RealWorld/stats/histogram.html

Part 3: Based on what you’ve learned in this module about normal distributions, explain why a normal approximation of data would be helpful to view the data. For example, you could describe the steps that one would take to estimate the percentage of women with blood pressures in an age group.

Assignment Expectations

Assessment and Grading: Your paper will be assessed based on the performance assessment rubric that is linked within the course. Review it before you begin working on the assignment.

Rubric Name: BSHS Case Performance Assessment Rubric J16

CriteriaLevel 5 – ExcellentLevel 4 – ProficientLevel 3 – DevelopingLevel 2 – ImprovingLevel 1 – EmergingTimeliness5 points

Demonstrate excellence by submitting assignment on or before due date.

4 points

Submitted 1–2 days late.

2 points

Submitted 3–4 days late.

0 points

Submitted more than 4 days late.

0 points

Submitted more than 4 days late.

Assignment-driven Criteria17 points

Demonstrate excellence in covering all key elements of the assignment in a substantive way. 

12 points
11 points
10 points
8 points
Critical Thinking13 points

Demonstrate excellence in understanding and interpreting the issue.

Use relevant, factual information to support statements.

Develop concepts in a manner that shows full comprehension of the issue.

Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate viewpoints of others.

Present logical conclusions and outcomes (consequences and implications) with appropriate rationale.

12 points
11 points
10 points
7 points
Scholarly Writing10 points

Demonstrate excellence in scholarly writing by using credible scholarly and professional information sources to support ideas and convey understanding.

Use proper in-text citation(s) and a properly formatted reference list as required.

Use headings and subheadings to organize the paper.

Proofread carefully.

8 points
7 points
6 points
5 points
Professionalism5 points

Demonstrate excellence by taking responsibility for learning.

Adhere to course requirements, policies, and expectations.

Address the assignment in a manner that is appropriate for a health professional in a multidisciplinary context.

4 points
3 points
2 points
0 points
Overall ScoreLevel 5
45 or moreLevel 4
40 or moreLevel 3
35 or moreLevel 2
30 or moreLevel 1
0 or moreClose

 

Current Scenario of Health Insurance Plans

Currently, in the United States, an individual is not required to  purchase a health insurance plan. However, according to Section 1501 of  the PPACA, beginning in 2014, “Individuals will be required to maintain  minimum essential coverage beginning in 2014. Failure to maintain  coverage will result in a penalty of $95 in 2014, $350 in 2015, $750 in  2016 and indexed thereafter.”

Currently, employers are not required to provide health insurance  coverage to their employees. However, in 2014, the employers’  responsibility in health insurance coverage will change, according to  the PPACA. This is the latest update in a long line of US health care  reform efforts.

Using South University Online Library or the Internet, search on the  topic of latest health care reforms. On the basis of your research and  your understanding of the topic, answer the following questions:

• Track the progress of health care reform efforts in the US history  starting with the early 1900s detailing the role of Presidents’  attempting to pass health care reform.
• Give your views on the AALL’s efforts to pass National Health Reform.
• What are the issues of culture, politics, and special interests in  the United States that have made health care reform difficult to  achieve?
• Of these three issues, which issue do you find to be the most difficult to overcome? Why?
• What is path dependency? What has this been an issue in health reform? How can the power of inertia be overcome?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of PPACA that was passed in 2010?