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Areas Of Study
Epidemiology
:: Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
:: DrPH (Translational Research) :: PhD
in Epidemiology :: Certificate
in Maternal and Child Health
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the distributions and determinants of health-related
events in human populations. A basic tenet of epidemiology is that diseases
are not randomly distributed in the population. Determining the prevalence
and risk factors associated with these events, as well as measuring the magnitude
of such occurrences, is the basis of public health action. An essential part
of this determination involves the utilization of epidemiologic and biostatistical
methods to evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures. Applicants who select the epidemiology specialization will be expected to
have the academic background, experience, interests and commitment for professional
training in this field. Students with a professional interest in this field
should pursue the master of public health (MPH) degree. Students whose objective
is research or doctoral study are expected to select the master of science
(MS Plan A) thesis degree program. Academic preparation for the epidemiology
specialization includes courses in biology, microbiology, immunology, and
chemistry as well as course work in calculus. Applicants must also have computer
skills in word processing, spreadsheet construction, and Internet applications.
Experience in an applied health-related field or biomedical research is preferred.
Students enrolled in the epidemiology specialization are required to take
advanced level training in chronic and infectious disease epidemiology, advanced
biostatistics, and research design. There is opportunity for students to
choose from epidemiology electives in the following areas: infectious diseases,
nutrition, genetics, environment, aging, HIV/AIDS, cancer and heart disease.
Course work in specialized statistical applications is also available. Students
will participate in on-going epidemiological research programs throughout
the university system or community through a field work assignment.
For questions regarding the epidemiology specialization, please contact
Dr. Al Katz at (808) 956-5741 or email katz@hawaii.edu.
Students who select the epidemiology specialization are expected to achieve
the following competencies:
Epidemiology Competencies
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Identify public health practices for disease control including surveillance,
screening and outbreak investigation. |
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Identify practices for disease detection including the use of biomarkers
and molecular biology. |
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Demonstrate proficiency in computer based data collection, management
and analysis using major statistical software and fundamental strategies
for biostatistical analysis. |
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Apply appropriate statistical tests for parametric and non-parametric
settings and identify advanced statistical methods for analyzing both
nominal and continuous data, for both univariate and multivariate applications. |
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Demonstrate skills in the conduct of epidemiologic research:
a. Critically assess epidemiologic data and literature.
b. Write an epidemiologic research proposal.
c. Devise sampling protocols and design questionnaires.
d. Develop a plan for survey logistics and data quality control.
e. Evaluate, interpret and discuss research results in the format required for
an epidemiologic research report. |
Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
Over the last century, chronic diseases have replaced infectious diseases
as the leading cause of death in almost every developed country. Lifestyle
factors such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition,
unsafe sexual practices, alcohol and drug use and overexposure to the sun
are the leading cause for a majority of these preventable deaths. In this
program, students will learn about a) biological and social theories of
health behaviors; b) biological, behavioral, social and environmental interventions
that can decrease premature mortality; and c) skills required for planning
and evaluating health promotion programs. A focus on the prevention of
infectious diseases through behavior change in developing and developed
countries will also be included. Course assignments provide students the
opportunity to apply knowledge, to practice skills, to enhance computer
literacy, and to improve oral and written communications. Opportunities
to participate in university-based and community-based research and service
programs are provided.
Applicants who select the social and behavioral health sciences specialization
will be expected to have the academic background, experience, interests and
commitment for professional training in public health. Students with a professional
interest in this field should pursue the master of public health (MPH) degree.
Students whose objective is research or doctoral study are expected to select
the master of science (MS Plan A) thesis degree program. Academic preparation
for the social and behavioral health sciences specialization includes prior
course work in mathematics or statistics, biology or human development and
sociology or psychology. Applicants must have computer skills in word processing,
spreadsheet construction and Internet applications. Experience in an applied
health/social sciences field or in health/social sciences research is preferred.
For questions on the social and behavioral health
sciences specialization, please contact Dr. Katie Heinrich
at (808) 956-5765 or email katiemh@hawaii.edu.
Students who select the social and behavioral health sciences specialization
are expected to achieve the following competencies:
Social & Behavioral Health Sciences
Competencies
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Identify and assess determinants of individual, community
and population health, including cultural, social, and biobehavioral
factors contributing to health related behaviors. |
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Apply theoretical perspectives in analyzing the behavioral, cultural,
and ethical dimensions of community health problems. |
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Identify a range of individual, interpersonal and community-wide health
promotion and disease prevention models and strategies. |
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Assess needs and plan interventions based on identified needs. |
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Evaluate interventions (e.g., programs and policies) to determine impact
and identify areas of improvement. |
DrPH (Translational
Research)
The DrPH program will prepare students
to lead programs and conduct independent investigations addressing
public health topics relevant to culturally diverse groups,
with a special focus on those in the state of Hawai‘i
and the Asia-Pacific region. The program focuses on translational
research and emphasizes community-based participatory research
methodologies.
Translational research is the investigation of how to successfully
transform scientific discoveries arising from laboratory,
clinical, or population studies into community applications
to reduce incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Community-based
participatory research (CBPR) in health is a collaborative
approach to research that equitably involves investigators
and members of the community in the research process and recognizes
the unique strengths that each brings. This approach increases
the likelihood that interventions will be embraced by the
community and that community members will gain knowledge,
skills, and other benefits from the research.
DrPH students are expected to publish their work in peer-review
journals and present at national and international forums.
All DrPH students will complete mentored teaching and research
practica.
Candidates who successfully complete the DrPH program in
Community-Based and Translational Research will be able to
collaborate with community partners to identify and address
public health issues as well as conduct independent research,
train public health workers, and demonstrate expertise in
the following areas: health disparities, cultural competency,
evidence-based public health practice, and community-based
participatory research.
For questions on the DrPH program, please contact Dr. Kathryn
Braun at (808) 956-5768 or email kbraun@hawaii.edu.
PhD in
Epidemiology
A prospective epidemiology applicant is expected to communicate
with a faculty member in his/her
area of interest or with the program's
chair and to be accepted as an applicant by a faculty
member prior to admission. The faculty member involved will
serve as the adviser upon the individual’s admission
into the PhD program.
All candidates take a qualifying examination during their
first semester of enrollment to ascertain strengths and weaknesses in their
basic preparation.
The test results will be used in determining subsequent course work. Candidates
should refer to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Catalog for procedural
and substantive details.
A few teaching and research assistantships may
be available for degree candidates. In addition, there may
be a limited number of traineeships. East West Center fellowships
are available for some candidates. Please visit the East
West Center website for additional information.
The PhD in epidemiology is not accredited by
the Council on Education for Public Health.
Certificate* in Maternal
and Child Health (MCH) Leadership
Promoting and ensuring MCH health and wellness requires strong
and skilled leaders at all levels, from the local community
to the state and national level. The Hawai’i MCH Leadership
Program provides practicing and aspiring MCH professionals
with the vision, skills, education and expertise needed to
develop and implement policies and programs which help ensure
that women, infants, children and their family members develop
in an optimal way.
Our MCH leaders: create a shared vision and
goals; provide effective public information regarding MCH
issues and needs; model new approaches to strengthen MCH practice;
forge strong collaborative partnerships; support creativity,
action and accountability in MCH and PH practice. It emphasizes
leadership skills and abilities relating to problem-solving,
interpretation and communication of data, cultural sensitivity,
as well as policy, advocacy and community health development.
This HRSA-funded MCH training program is specifically
designed to reach community-based MCH professionals in rural
Hawai’i and the Pacific as well as increase ethnic and
social diversity in public health practice. The program promotes
cross-cultural understanding and greater diversity in public
health, with priority placed on rural Hawaii and Pacific Islands
professionals and under-represented populations.
The Maternal and Child Leadership Program is
17- credits in graduate-level coursework in public health
and maternal child health. The Program and Office of Public
Health Studies awards a certificate of MCH Program completion
to the student when all required courses are completed. Courses
are taught by MCH and other public health faculty, utilizing
both regular and distance learning.
*The Certificate in Maternal
and Child Health (MCH) Leadership is not a graduate certificate.
The OPHS provides a “Certificate of Completion”
to all those completing the course of study.
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