CDC Health-Related Quality of Life Epidemiology Curricular Materials Overview

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Epidemiology Assignment 1

Title: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Prevalence Data Trends and Analysis

Student is asked to query HRQOL state-level prevalence data (online) and compare and contrast observed trends with national estimates. Using the literature, the student attempts to explain the observed trends in a brief paper. This assignment is appropriate for introductory-level students.

Activities
Student learns to identify data trends, search and use scientific literature, identify and explain disparities, and clearly communicate epidemiology information in written format.

Materials Included

• Professor lesson plan [DOC-49KB].
• Student instructions handout [DOC-43KB].
• PowerPoint slides with assignment background information and introduction.
  • PowerPoint Version [PPT-880KB] .
  • PDF Version [PDF-710KB].

Epidemiology Assignment 2

Title: Analysis of 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data From Two Geographically Diverse U.S. States 

Student is asked to review a BRFSS data file (n=500; Georgia and California data) in Excel format and codebook, use the scientific literature to develop research questions and a testable hypothesis, and analyze the dataset to answer their questions. The results are presented in a brief paper. This assignment is appropriate for intermediate-level students.

Activities
Student learns to propose research questions and hypotheses, review the literature, and use basic epidemiology and statistical techniques to answer the research questions posed.

Materials Included

• Professor lesson plan [DOC-44KB].
• Student instructions handout [DOC-36KB].
• PowerPoint slides with assignment background information and introduction.
  • PowerPoint Version [PPT-417KB] .
  • PDF Version[PDF-609KB].
• A BRFSS data file in Excel format [XLS-104KB].
• Codebook in Word format defining variables included in data file [DOC-167KB].

ASPH Competencies Addressed

• Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
• Describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time, and place.
• Apply the basic terminology and definitions of epidemiology.
• Communicate epidemiologic information to lay and professional audiences.
• Draw appropriate inferences from epidemiologic data.
• Calculate basic epidemiology measures.