Introduction To Epidemiology Course - PDF

1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY. Course Title: Introduction to Epidemiology Course Code: (EPI 213) Program: Public health Department: Public health College: Public health and health informatics ...

1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY. Course Title: Introduction to Epidemiology Course Code: (EPI 213) Program: Public health Department: Public health College: Public health and health informatics  2 About the unit Course general Description  This unit provides an introduction to epidemiological concepts for students. During this course the students will learn about the main types of epidemiological studies and key issues in their use.  This unit also introduces students to the basic principles and methods of epidemiology, with various examples about communicable and non-communicable diseases. Topics include measures of health & epidemiological study designs.  The plans for developing and improving the course that are being implemented. (e.g. increased use of IT or web based reference material, changes in content as a result of new research in the field).  3 Course Main Objectives 1. Identify principles and concepts of epidemiology. 2. Define and list uses of epidemiology and apply measures of disease frequency (prevalence and incidence). 3. Define and learn how to make use of steps in Investigation of disease outbreak. 4. Explain the uses of different study designs. 5. Describe the concepts of disease transmission. 6. List epidemiological indicators for monitoring disease. 7. Define methods used in descriptive, analytical and experimental epidemiological studies and learning use of these methods to improve planning and delivery of health care services.  4 Assessment Activities and grades Assessment timing Percentage of Total No Assessment Activities * (in week no) Assessment Score 1 Quiz 5th week 10% 2 Mid-term exam 7th week 25% Presentation and 3 9th week 10% assignment As scheduled by the 4 Final Exam 50% registrar 5 Participation All along 5% WHAT IS EPIDEMIOLOGY?  Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread and how to prevent them.  The study of how diseases spread: how diseases are transmitted from person to person, animal to person, or from the environment to person. They also study the factors that make people more or less susceptible to diseases, such as age, sex, and health status.  How to prevent them: Epidemiologists use the information they gather to develop interventions to prevent diseases. These interventions can include vaccination, public health education, and environmental changes. 5  Epidemiology is a valuable tool for public health professionals because it can help us to understand the factors that contribute to health and disease, and to develop effective strategies for preventing disease and promoting health. 6  The word "epidemiology" comes from the Greek words "epi" (upon) and "demos" (people). This literally means "upon the people".  It is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in populations. 7 AN EPIDEMIOLOGIST  Is a public health professional who studies the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. They use this information to develop and evaluate strategies to improve health.  Epidemiologists work in a variety of settings, including public health agencies, hospitals, universities, and research institutes. 8 HISTORY  It was established on the 19th century, when John Snow conducted his famous study of the cholera outbreak in London. Snow's study showed that cholera was spread through contaminated water, and his findings helped to revolutionize the way of thinking about spread of diseases (1854). 9  Richard Doll: Doll is known for his work on the link between smoking and lung cancer. He conducted a study that followed thousands of people over many years and found that smoking was a major risk factor for lung cancer (1950). 10 THE IMPORTANCE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY Epidemiology is important for a variety of reasons such as:  Identify the causes of disease  Develop and evaluate public health interventions  Monitor the health of populations  Plan and allocate resources for health care  Inform public health policy 11 USES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY 1. To identify risk factors for disease: Epidemiologists can study the distribution of a disease to identify factors that are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. These factors can include lifestyle factors, such as smoking and diet, or environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants. 12 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions: Epidemiologists can study the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or treat diseases. For example, they can study the effectiveness of vaccination programs or the effectiveness of new drugs. 13 3. To track the spread of diseases: Epidemiologists can track the spread of diseases by collecting data on the number of cases of a disease and where the cases are occurring. This information can be used to identify outbreaks of disease and to take steps to control the spread of the disease. 14 4. To plan and evaluate public health programs: Epidemiologists can use their knowledge of epidemiology to plan and evaluate public health programs. For example, they can help to design programs to improve sanitation or to promote healthy lifestyles. 15 5. To make predictions about future health trends: Epidemiologists can use their knowledge of epidemiology to make predictions about future health trends. For example, they can predict the number of cases of a disease that are likely to occur in the future or they can predict the impact of a new policy on health. 16 AREAS AND FIELDS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY  Public health: Epidemiologists work in public health agencies to prevent and control diseases. They may study the spread of diseases, develop interventions to prevent disease, or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. 17  Clinical medicine: Epidemiologists work in hospitals and clinics to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. They may study the causes of diseases, develop new treatments, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. 18  Research: Epidemiologists work in universities and research institutes to conduct research on diseases. They may study the causes of diseases, develop new interventions, or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. 19  Government: Epidemiologists work in government agencies to develop and implement policies to improve health. They may study the burden of disease, develop strategies to reduce the burden of disease, or evaluate the effectiveness of policies. 20  Industry: Epidemiologists work in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and other industries to improve health. They may study the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices, develop new health products, or evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. 21  Non-profit organizations: Epidemiologists work in non-profit organizations to improve health. They may conduct research, develop and implement programs, or advocate for policies to improve health. 22 THE END  Questions? 23