Public Health And Epidemiology Flashcards
Week 1
What is the definition of public health
The art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society
Definition of Epidemiology
The quantitative study of distribution, determinants and control of disease in populations
Why are there large studies on the epidemiology of disease/ ill- health
- To inform diagnosis, prognosis an treatment decisions
- To develop preventative health programmes
- Ensuring patients get available treatment by developing guidelines, considering access and equity
- If treatment is affordable
Epidemiology o spina bifida
Neural tube defect
Incidence across populations
Diagnosis: prenatal
Prevention: folic acid supplementation
Risk factors: genetic, folic acid deficiency, family history, medications, maternal obesity/ diabetes
More common in deprived areas
How is data collected
Uk surveillance systems
- British Paediatric Surveillance systems
What is a cohort design as a research study?
Where a group of people with. Common characteristic is followed over a period of time to observe how many reach a certain health outcome of interest (e.g. disease, death, health change)
What is a case-control study in epidemiology?
Helps determine if a certain exposure is associated with an outcome
Identify potential risk factors/ causes of conditions
What is a randomised control trial?
A study in which a number of similar people are randomly assigned to 2 (or more) groups to test a specific drug, treatment or other intervention
How is spina bifida prevented?
400 mcg/day folic acid prior to conception and until 12th week of pregnancy
(Sep 2021) Public health minister announced mandatory fortification of non wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid
