Objectives:
To introduce the epidemiological aspects of chronic/ non-communicable diseases (NCD) of Public Health importance for adapting effective control and prevention strategies. This unit will strengthen the knowledge base of students in conducting epidemiologic investigation related to non-communicable diseases. On completion of this unit, the student should be able to:
- understand the epidemiological aspects of non-communicable diseases of Public Health importance in Saudi Arabia
- especially focusing on the preventable aspects
- identify and adapt measures/strategies for prevention and control of these diseases
- describe the major NCD programs of Saudi Arabia
Course Outline:
- Principles and methods of control of non-communicable disease control
- Epidemiological factors related to causation, prevention and control of the non-communicable diseases of Public
- Health importance in Saudi Arabia and GCC including
- Chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease, Cancers, Obesity
- Occupational hazards
- Life style and other health related behaviors including smoking, addiction, exercise
- Road side accidents
- Non-communicable disease control programs of Saudi Arabia
Teaching Strategy:
- The study strategy will consist of lectures and visits to offices of the concerned health programs. The teaching will be also be shared by external guest speakers, where appropriate, to acquaint the residents with the current status of disease and its control program in the country.
Course Assessment:
The course will contribute 200 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on
- one written MCQ papers i.e. Paper III of 1st term examination 70% (140 marks)
- one literature review assignment, on a designated topic in non-communicable disease epidemiology 30% (60 marks)
Topics will be assigned to the residents by the end of 1st term and will be submitted by the end of 2nd term. Final date to be announced by the University coordinator.
In case resident obtains less than 70% marks, he/she will be asked to revise and resubmit the literature review till the satisfaction of evaluators.
It will also be contribute to a significant portion of papers in final comprehensive examination.