LI Course
CE Hours: 6 contact hours

Statement of Purpose and Institute Overview: The primary objective of this 2-day learning institute (LI) is to provide an opportunity to define and discuss basic epidemiologic concepts, tools and methods for novice participants who wish to utilize them to their professional practice in their community. Consistent with the theme of APHA’s 141st meeting “think global – act local” this year’s LI will focus on describing and discussing epidemiologic data at various levels from around the globe and show their comparability with local epidemiological data. Another objective is to formulate strategies for the student for applying epidemiologic concepts and interpreting epidemiological findings in their professional practice thru group exercises and case studies, in-class reporting and participants’ discussion of findings. A third objective is to assess and analyze the student’s gained knowledge of the basic epidemiologic concepts, tools and methods thru pretest and post-test modules and therefore evaluate progress made within the purview of the 2-day LI. Analysis of concept-specific pre- and post-test comparisons have shown considerable improvement in past LI’s. To the best possible extent and within time limits, each concept will be accompanied by examples of relevant local, regional, national and international data for familiarization and application of epidemiologic principles. Sessions are highly interactive and allow participants to clarify epidemiological concepts and measures during the sessions. Feedbacks from past sessions have been extremely helpful in re-developing lecture and practice sessions and adding multiple examples to facilitate participants’ application and interpretation of complex but essential epidemiological measures. In-class group exercises and discussions will provide insight into problems and dilemmas faced by practitioners in addressing community issues of their interest . Thru operational definition and practical application, participants will gain knowledge and insight to reliable and valid measures of prevention and wellness using a life course developmental perspective: from natality to senescence and mortality. Methodologies to determine evidence that impact behaviors, morbidity and mortality, using epidemiologic data, will also be highlighted.

Session Objectives: Identify and define the concepts of a) study designs for epidemiological investigation, b) measures of association and risk assessment, c) threats to validity in risk-outcome assessment and ways to address them, d) evidence based public health practice, e)community based practice, f) translating epidemiological findings to public health policy (DAY 2) List and discuss how to measure and interpret these concepts and apply them to professional career (DAY 2) Compare and evaluate the differences among concepts thru examples (DAY 2) Design, and formulate investigations which use the above concepts (DAY 2)