IGIENE E STATISTICA 2

Module Hygiene

1. Knowledge and understanding

•            Acquire in-depth knowledge of the fundamental principles of hygiene, epidemiology, and health prevention and promotion.

•            Understand health determinants and epidemiological indicators—such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality—to assess the population's health status.

•            Understand infection transmission mechanisms; the relationship between the etiological agent, host, and environment; the phenomena of epidemics, endemics, and sporadic cases; and the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

•            Gain a deeper understanding of fundamental epidemiological study methodologies (descriptive, analytical, and experimental), acquiring skills in their design, conduct, and objectives.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

•            Apply epidemiological methodology principles to analyze environmental, genetic, and behavioral risk factors associated with the onset of communicable and chronic-degenerative diseases.

•            Use appropriate epidemiological analysis tools to calculate measures of association (Relative Risk, Odds Ratio) and interpret the statistical significance of results.

•            Critically analyze primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions, as well as strategies for preventing and containing biological risks, in accordance with safety criteria, scientific evidence, and health emergency management protocols.

•            Understand and apply experimental methods to study the relationship between the exposome and health by evaluating biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility.

3. Making judgments

•            Be able to critically evaluate epidemiological data collected in scientific studies aimed at assessing the role of risk and/or protective factors in the etiology and prevention of infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases.

•            Interpret experimental results obtained from specifically designed epidemiological studies, evaluating the significance of associations between risk factors and health outcomes. 4.

4. Communication skills

•            Clearly and rigorously articulate concepts related to epidemiology, hygiene, and disease prevention, in both written and oral forms.

•            Present and discuss the results of epidemiological studies, paying particular attention to the use of appropriate scientific terminology.

•            Communicate effectively with specialists and non-specialists in the fields of hygiene and public health, making appropriate use of risk indicators, measures of association, and criteria for causality.

5. Learning skills

•            Develop an independent study method to gain a deeper understanding of the discipline and its potential applications in molecular, nutritional, and environmental epidemiology.

•            Be able to stay up-to-date on new technologies for implementing disease prevention and health promotion strategies, including innovations in vaccination, screening programs, and epidemiological surveillance methodologies.

The course includes lectures in which continuous interaction with the students is encouraged, and exercises in the classroom and in the laboratory to develop the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Hygiene, Epidemiology and Prevention. Environmental Hygiene. Molecular epidemiology. General epidemiology of non-communicable diseases. Prevention of non-communicable diseases. General principles for primary and secondary prevention of non-communicable diseases. National Prevention Plan. Screening of cancer. Requirements and general measures of biohazards management .General epidemiology of infections and infectious diseases.  General principles of infectious diseases prevention.  Active and passive immunization.  

1. G. Gilli. PROFESSIONE IGIENISTA MANUALE DELL'IGIENE AMBIENTALE E TERRITORIALE. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

2. Ruggenini Moiraghi, GM Grasso IL RISCHIO BIOLOGICO NEI LABORATORI: EPIDEMIOLOGIA, VALUTAZIONE E PREVENZIONE  CG Edizioni Medico Scientifiche

3. Barbuti S., Fara G.M., Giammanco G. – IGIENE, MEDICINA DI COMUNITÀ E SANITÀ PUBBLICA. Edizione  EDISES 2014.

4. Paul A. Schulte. Molecular Epidemiology: Principles and Practices. 1993.

During the course other texts and documents mostly in English language will be recommended

• Written exam, consisting of 15 multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions. The exam is graded on a scale of 30. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

• Oral exam

Both the written and oral exams will contribute to the final grade. The maximum grade will be awarded to students who demonstrate mastery of the topics covered, the ability to connect the knowledge acquired, effective communication skills, and command of the subject-specific terminology.

Assessment may also be conducted online, should conditions require it.

Strategic objectives of prevention. Definition of source and reservoir of infection. Constitution of vaccines. Vaccination schedule. Compulsory vaccinations in childhood. The classification of biological agents. Exposure biomarkers: definition and examples. Susceptibility biomarkers: definition and examples. Effect biomarkers: definition and examples.

Example of a multiple choice question:

A screening campaign:

a) It is a primary prevention intervention

b) It is a secondary prevention intervention

c) It is a tertiary prevention intervention

d) Applies only to infectious diseases

Indicate for each of the diseases described below the constitution of at least one type of vaccine used

a) tetanus _________________________________

b) poliomyelitis _________________________________

c) rubella _________________________________

d) hepatitis B _________________________________