Health and Epidemiology Review

A set of 300 vocabulary flashcards based on health and epidemiology, structured for educational review.

Non-modifiable risk factor

A risk factor that cannot be changed; examples include age and genetics.

RR = 14

Indicates a positive association between factors.

Vaccine

A tool of primary prevention used to prevent diseases.

RR = 1

Indicates that there is no association between factors.

RR = 0.7

Suggests that there is a negative association between factors.

Hospital trusts in Italy

Characterized by economic and financial autonomy, national importance, and high specialization.

Bismarck health system

A compulsory social insurance scheme based on membership in various occupational categories.

Article 32, Italian constitution

The document where health was recognized as a fundamental right.

OR = -1

Indicates it’s not possible to have an odds ratio of -1.

Airborne disease

A disease that can be transmitted via airborne particles, e.g., Measles.

HIV infectivity

A patient with HIV may not be infective when the virus is undetectable.

HIV prevalence

The increasing number of HIV cases due to high mortality and treatment effects.

Pandemic vs. Epidemic

A pandemic is a global disease, while an epidemic is localized to a specific area.

Radiation types

Alpha and beta radiations are ionizing radiations.

RR = 4 (95% CI: 0.99 – 14)

Suggests there is a statistically significant association between factors.

Relative risk (RR)

A measure comparing the risk in two different groups.

Secondary prevention example

A screening campaign for early detection of diseases.

Endemic

The constant presence of a disease in a population.

Infective TB patient

A patient with TB is no longer infective after 2 weeks of proper treatment.

Social determinants of health

Factors like socioeconomic status that affect health outcomes.

Infection definition

The entry and multiplication of an infectious agent within a host.

LEA

Essential Levels of Care provided to all citizens by the NHS.

OECD health expenditure

Reported percentage of health expenditure for prevention is typically below 5%.

Italian Ministry of Health establishment

Established in 1958.

Odds ratio (OR) calculation

Calculated in case-control studies.

OR or RR > 1

Indicates an increase in the risk to develop a disease.

Prevention measures for road accidents

Including use of helmets and traffic education.

Sugar consumption impact

Main cause of dental caries with a clear dose-effect relationship.

Surveillance systems

Used for monitoring disease trends and identifying new syndromes.

Herd immunity

Collective protection resulting from reduced circulation of infection in the vaccinated population.

Randomized clinical trial

A study design where participants are randomly assigned to treatment groups.

Screening test characteristics

Should be safe, easy to perform, and not expensive.

Incidence vs. Prevalence

Prevalence refers to total cases at a specific moment; incidence refers to new cases over time.

Herd immunity threshold

The percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

Life expectancy

Average number of years a person is expected to live.

Incidence definition

Number of new cases of a disease in a specific time frame.

No comparison possible

Incapability of directly comparing crude death rates across different populations.

Demographic transition model

Describes changes in birth and death rates over time.

Vaccine effectiveness

Ability to prevent infection, illness, and its complications.

Public health research

Includes observational studies which do not require intervention.

Educational campaigns

Public health initiatives aimed at educating communities.

Quality of care in Italy

Generally high, but public satisfaction levels may vary.

NCD prevention

Efforts aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases through lifestyle changes.

Social health disparities

Differences in health outcomes observed across population groups.

TB infective risk

Assessment of a TB patient's infectivity status after treatment.

Quantifying health risk

Methods to evaluate risk factors influencing health outcomes.

Reforms of NHS in Italy

In the 1990s, critical reforms were introduced for improved healthcare delivery.

Children’s vaccination

Children may receive live attenuated vaccines under certain age conditions.

Health expenditure

Investment in health resources relative to population needs.

Clinical studies

Research methodologies used to evaluate health interventions.

Health policy frameworks

Regulatory structures designed to improve public health.

Comparative epidemiology

Research comparing disease rates in different populations.

Global health impact

International efforts to address health disparities and promote wellness.

Healthcare governance

Structures for managing health service delivery.

Preventive health strategies

Approaches that emphasize early detection and risk management.

Health education initiatives

Programs aimed at improving community health literacy.

Risk factors for NCDs

Lifestyle and environmental influences leading to non-communicable diseases.

Chronic disease management

Approaches focused on managing long-term health conditions.

Healthcare access disparities

Inequity in the availability of health services among different populations.

Epidemic response strategies

Measures implemented to control outbreaks of infectious diseases.

NHS financing mechanisms

Methods of funding the public health system.

Patient education importance

Key component for effective chronic disease management.

Health system reforms

Changes made to improve the operational performance of healthcare institutions.

Communicable disease control

Efforts to manage and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Prevention of transmission

Methods used to stop the spread of contagious diseases.

Behavioral health strategies

Interventions aimed at promoting mental health.

Nutritional guidelines

Recommendations designed to improve public dietary practices.

Preventive health care

Services aimed at preventing diseases rather than treating them.

Understanding health disparities

Investigating reasons for unequal health outcomes.

Economic evaluation in healthcare

Assessing cost-effectiveness of health interventions.

Patient safety protocols

Guidelines designed to protect patients during healthcare delivery.

Evidence-based practices

Practices guided by the best available research evidence.

Integrative health strategies

Combination of conventional and alternative health approaches.

Healthcare resource allocation

Distribution of health resources based on population needs.

Behavioral risk assessment

Evaluation of factors that may lead to health issues.

Infectious disease surveillance

Continuous monitoring for outbreak detection.

Innovations in public health

Creative solutions to enhance community health outcomes.

Chronic illness frameworks

Guidelines aimed at managing long-term health conditions.

Holistic health approaches

Comprehensive strategies addressing physical and mental health.

Healthcare equity issues

Challenges related to equal access to health services.

Collaboration in health initiatives

Working together across sectors to improve health.

Community health assessments

Evaluations of health needs within local populations.

Vital statistics in health research

Collection of data on health outcomes and population dynamics.

Health promotion campaigns

Strategic initiatives to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Access to preventive services

Availability of measures to prevent disease before it occurs.

Local health authorities roles

Community-level governance for health services.

Health outcomes measurement

Evaluation of results from health interventions.

Sustainable health practices

Long-term strategies that enhance health and well-being.

Integrative care models

Approaches combining various health disciplines.

Global public health policies

Plans implemented on an international scale to improve health.

Public health funding sources

Financial support mechanisms for health initiatives.

Quality improvement in healthcare

Ongoing efforts to enhance patient care standards.

Crisis management in health

Strategies to address public health emergencies.

Healthcare technology application

Use of modern technology to support health interventions.

Mental health promotion

Strategies aimed at enhancing mental well-being.

Community outreach programs

Initiatives designed to increase health service awareness.

Health literacy initiatives

Efforts to improve the understanding of health information.

Future of healthcare delivery

Trends shaping how health services will be provided.

Patient-centered care movements

Shift toward prioritizing patient preferences in treatment.

Research collaboration in health

Partnerships aimed at advancing health knowledge.