Final answer:
The CDC has noted a tripling of certain chronic illnesses since 1980, with diabetes being a prominent example. Differences in research findings on disease prevalence can be due to several factors, including methodology and stigma affecting public and policy response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of chronic illnesses since 1980. As part of public health research, scientists are attentive to patterns of diseases and how they change over time. In the provided context, no specific disease is mentioned, but based on historical data from the CDC, one notable chronic illness that has seen a dramatic increase in prevalence is diabetes. Since 1980, the United States has witnessed a tripling in the number of diagnosed diabetes cases among the population. This is a cause for concern and substantial research efforts, as it indicates a growing public health issue that requires attention and resources for management and prevention.
Regarding disease prevalence and surveys, differences in results can be attributed to various factors such as sample size, methodology, population diversity, and possible biases in data collection. For instance, a local research group could observe differences in the number of new cases of a disease between 2012 and 2013 due to changes in the demographics being studied or improvements in diagnostic criteria. Additionally, historical stigma and prejudice, as was seen with the initial response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, can greatly affect public perception and policy response.