Populations and health

Teacher(s)

Masquelier Bruno;

Language

French

Main themes

• The mortality history of populations : compared perspectives of epidemiological transitions ;
• Information systems and strategies of observation and research in the field of health (prospective and experimental studies, case-control studies) ;
• Concepts - health, reproductive health, morbidity, nutritional status, disability, dependence, mortality - and their indicators ;
• Demo-epidemiologic measures: incidence, prevalence, relative risks… ;
• Today's main problems in public health: North/South comparison.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1.	know the sources of information ;
2.	know methods to analyze health and mortality in populations over time and space.

Content

The course LDEMO2610 provides an introduction to the study of population health. After a first part devoted to the main indicators, data sources and observation methods, the course details in a second part the theoretical framework of the epidemiological transition and presents some exceptions to this theoretical scheme. The third part of the course examines the main health issues from a life course perspective, from conception to old age: (1) stillbirths and mortality of children under 15, (2) maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and injuries, (3) non-communicable diseases, (4) infectious diseases (malaria and tuberculosis). One session is devoted to environmental health, and the last two sessions provide an opportunity to present and discuss group work.

Teaching methods

The course alternates methodological and thematic presentations on major public health issues. 

Evaluation methods

In-session written exam (mix of MCQs and open questions) (10/20). Group work (3 max): writing a brief literature review (8-10 pages) on a health problem of your choice.

Online resources

Course slides and articles available on the course page on MoodleUCL.

Bibliography

Bonita R., R. Beaglehole, and T. Kjellstrom. Eléments d'épidémiologie. Organisation mondiale de la santé, 2010.
Young T.K. Population Health: Concepts and Methods. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Lutz, W. & Kebede, E. Education and Health: Redrawing the Preston Curve, Population and Development Review, Wiley, 2018, 44, 343-361
Vallin, J. & Meslé, F. Convergences and divergences in mortality: A new approach of health transition, Demographic Research, 2004, S2, 11-44

Faculty or entity

PSAD