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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

Identify public health practices for disease control including surveillance, screening and outbreak investigation.
Identify practices for disease detection including the use of biomarkers and molecular biology.
Demonstrate proficiency in computer based data collection, management and analysis using major statistical software and fundamental strategies for biostatistical analysis.
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.
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

Identify and assess determinants of individual, community and population health, including cultural, social, and biobehavioral factors contributing to health related behaviors.
Apply theoretical perspectives in analyzing the behavioral, cultural, and ethical dimensions of community health problems.
Identify a range of individual, interpersonal and community-wide health promotion and disease prevention models and strategies.
Assess needs and plan interventions based on identified needs.
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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