tutorials

• Epidemiologic approach

  Studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations, and applying this study to control health problems
• Core components of epidemiologic approach

  1. Surveillance

  2. Observation

  3. Hypothesis testing

  4. Analytic research

  5. Experiments
• Applications of epidemiologic approach

  • Identifying risk factors for diseases
  • Determining the effectiveness of interventions
  • Guiding public health policies
• Examples of epidemiologic approach

  • Investigating outbreaks
  • Studying chronic disease patterns
  • Evaluating the impact of vaccination programs
• Systems approach

  Viewing a problem as part of an interconnected whole, rather than in isolation, emphasizing the relationships and interactions between different components of a system
• Systems approach

  • Holistic view: Considers how various parts of a system interact and affect each other
  • Suitable for addressing complex issues that involve multiple, interrelated factors
• Applications of systems approach in health

  • Health system analysis to improve healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and policy development
• Observational approach

  Studying subjects in their natural environment without manipulation or intervention by the researcher
• Types of observational studies

  • Cohort studies
  • Case-control studies
  • Cross-sectional studies
• Advantages of observational approach

  • Provides real-world evidence
  • Can identify associations between exposures and outcomes
• Limitations of observational approach

  • Cannot establish causality definitively due to potential confounding factors
• Key informants approach


  Gathering information from individuals who have specialized knowledge about the community or topic of interest
• Key informants approach

  • Selection: Informants are chosen for their expertise, position, or experience
  • Applications: Used in needs assessments, program evaluations, and community diagnosis
  • Advantages: Provides in-depth insights and qualitative data that may not be available through other methods
• Community forum approach

  Holding public meetings to gather input from community members about their needs, concerns, and priorities
• Community forum approach

  • Participation: Encourages community involvement and engagement
  • Benefits: Provides a platform for diverse voices and fosters community ownership of health initiatives
  • Challenges: Can be time-consuming and may require skilled facilitation to ensure productive dialogue
• Social indicators approach

  Using quantitative measures to assess the well-being of a population in various domains such as health, education, and economic status
• Examples of social indicators


  • Infant mortality rate
  • Literacy rate
  • Unemployment rate
• Uses of social indicators approach

  • Helps in monitoring and evaluating social policies
  • Identifies areas needing intervention
• Advantages of social indicators approach

  • Provides objective, comparable data over time and across different populations
• Survey approach

  Collecting data from a sample of individuals using structured questionnaires or interviews to gather information on specific topics
• Survey approach

  • Design: Can be cross-sectional or longitudinal
  • Data collection: Can be done through various means, including face-to-face, telephone, mail, or online surveys
  • Applications: Used in health research, market research, and public opinion polling
  • Advantages: Can gather data from a large number of respondents, providing broad insights
• Concept of health

  A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO definition)
• Concept of health

  • Multidimensional: Encompasses physical health, mental health, and social health
  • Determinants: Influenced by genetics, behavior, environmental and social factors, and healthcare access
  • Dynamic: Health is not static; it changes over time and can be influenced by life events and transitions
• Factors affecting health inequalities

  • Socioeconomic status (income, education, occupation)
  • Geographical location (rural vs. urban)
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Access to healthcare
  • Behavioral factors (lifestyle choices)
  • Environmental factors (living conditions, exposure to pollutants, availability of healthy foods)
• Health needs assessment (HNA)

  A systematic method for reviewing the health issues facing a population, leading to agreed priorities and resource allocation to improve health and reduce inequalities
• Function of health needs assessment in community health


  • Identification: Helps identify the health needs and priorities of a community
  • Resource allocation: Guides the allocation of resources to where they are most needed
  • Program planning: Informs the development and implementation of health programs and services
  • Evaluation: Provides a baseline for evaluating the impact of health interventions
  • Community engagement: Involves the community in identifying their needs and developing solutions, fostering ownership and participation