Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Learning objectives
Define disaster epidemiology Give historical overview of disaster epidemiology Discuss applications of epidemiologic methods to disasters ( before, during & after the events)
Epidemiology
The study of the distribution & determinants of health related events in human populations and the application of the study to the control of health problems
Host
Agent
Environment
Epidemiologic triad
Analytical study: Analyses relationships between health status & other variables
Case control study Cohort study
Disaster epidemiology
Use of epidemiology in disaster situations Epidemiologic methods can be used to measure & describe the adverse effects of natural and man made disasters
Public Health impact evaluation Natural history evaluation Analytic studies of risk factors
Before a disaster
Conducting hazard & vulnerability analyses of the population
Hazard analysis: Collecting & assessing data on the nature, causes, frequency, distribution and effects of past events in order to make predictions about future events Vulnerability analysis: analysis of a population risk when a hazard of a given magnitude occurs
Before a disaster 2
Modeling/ Simulating disaster scenarios Conducting drills Designing emergency protocols Assessing level of Emergency preparedness Assessing flexibility of surveillance systems Training health & safety personnel
During a disaster
Conducting disaster damage assessment Conducting rapid field investigations Identifying urgent needs & matching resources Prioritizing relief efforts Conducting disaster surveillance Conducting epidemic investigations
After a disaster
Conducting post disaster epidemiologic follow up studies Identifying risk factors for death & injury Planning strategies to reduce impactrelated morbidity & mortality Developing specific interventions based on the nature of the disaster
After a disaster 2
Evaluating effectiveness of interventions Conducting descriptive & analytical studies Planning medical & public health responses to future disasters Conducting long term follow-up of rehabilitation & reconstruction activities
Analytical study: Case control study is the best study to determine risk factors & study interactions among multiple factors
Limited by definition of specific outcomes & issues of selecting cases & controls
Conclusion
Epidemiology can provide much needed information on which a rational, effective & flexible policy for the management of disaster is based Epidemiology provides the tools for rapid & effective problem solving during public health emergencies like natural & man made disasters
Questions?