B9008 - EPIDEMIOLOGIA E PROMOZIONE DELLA SALUTE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of basic epidemiology, epidemiological methodology, and the principles and methods of disease prevention and health promotion. In particular, students will be able to:

• use appropriate tools to adopt a sound epidemiological approach to health and disease issues in the population;
• promote and evaluate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures, particularly those concerning multifactorial diseases, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles;
• assess the safety conditions of facilities where physical activity is carried out;
• use a range of practical and communication methods to promote health and healthy lifestyles within the population, particularly through the practice of physical activity.

Course contents

Introduction to Epidemiology

• Definition and purposes of epidemiology.
• Descriptive, analytical, and experimental epidemiology.
• Determinants of health.
• The role of epidemiology in sport and exercise sciences and public health.

Epidemiological Measures of Frequency

• Prevalence.
• Cumulative incidence.
• Incidence density.
• Mortality and case fatality.
• Introduction to measures of disease burden.
• Years of life lost, years lived with disability, and DALYs.
• Interpretation of DALYs in assessing the impact of chronic diseases and risk factors.

Epidemiological Measures of Association and Impact

• Relative risk.
• Odds ratio.
• Attributable risk.
• Population attributable risk.
• Introduction to the criteria used to assess causality.

Interpretation of Epidemiological Findings

• Random error.
• Confidence intervals and p-values.
• Statistical significance.
• Difference between statistical significance and clinical relevance.

From Association to Causation

• Difference between statistical association and causal relationship.
• Temporal sequence between exposure and outcome.
• Systematic errors.
• Selection bias.
• Information bias.
• Confounding.

Epidemiological Study Designs

Objectives, characteristics, advantages, and limitations of:

• randomized controlled trials;
• cohort studies;
• case-control studies;
• cross-sectional studies;
• ecological studies;
• case series.

Evaluation of Lifestyle Interventions

• Definition of the target population and intervention objectives.
• Identification of outcomes and selection of assessment tools.
• Integration of quantitative indicators and qualitative observations.
• Standardization of the intervention and adaptation to individual needs.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness, feasibility, and applicability of interventions.
• Main methodological issues in the evaluation of lifestyle interventions.

The lectures include practical examples, calculation exercises, and guided reading of studies and interventions concerning lifestyles, with particular attention to the role of physical activity as an inclusive tool for health promotion.

Readings/Bibliography

Required materials: lecture slides provided by the instructor.

Recommended Basic Epidemiology, an English-language textbook available on the World Health Organization website:
https://www.who.int/publications/b/31231

Teaching methods

• Lectures.
• Guided exercises and analysis of studies applied to lifestyles.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

The EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH PROMOTION examination consists of an oral test.

In the 2026–2027 academic year, six examination sessions are scheduled. According to the academic calendar, examinations may be taken during the following periods:

• January–February 2027: three examination sessions;
• June–July 2027: two examination sessions;
• September 2027: one examination session.

To check the examination dates and register for an examination session, students must access AlmaEsami.

For the EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH PROMOTION course, students will be required to discuss two main topics included in the syllabus. The first topic is selected by the student. The second topic consists of a question posed by the examination board.

The assessment of the student’s preparation may include additional questions aimed at exploring specific aspects of the main topics. The following elements will be assessed:

• the ability to present the required topics accurately, comprehensively, and critically;
• clarity of presentation;
• the ability to use discipline-specific terminology appropriately.

Grading Criteria

Ability to analyse and discuss the topics only with the instructor’s assistance, using sufficiently correct language: 18–20/30.

Ability to discuss the topics accurately and comprehensively, with a good command of discipline-specific terminology: 21–25/30.

Ability to discuss the topics accurately and comprehensively, including critical analysis, with full command of discipline-specific terminology: 26–29/30.

Excellent ability to discuss the topics accurately and comprehensively, including critical analysis and independent in-depth study, with full command of discipline-specific terminology: 30–30 with honours.

The examination for the integrated course “PHARMACOLOGY AND HEALTH PROMOTION” consists of an oral examination for both course units, which must be taken during the same examination session.

For each course unit, the student receives a grade based on the demonstrated ability to discuss the required topics comprehensively and critically. The two partial grades contribute to the final grade in proportion to the number of credits assigned to each course unit:

• Epidemiology and Health Promotion: 4 ECTS credits;
• Pharmacology: 6 ECTS credits.

The examination is passed if the student demonstrates at least a satisfactory level of knowledge, corresponding to 18/30, in both course units.

Students with specific learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en

The office will propose any appropriate accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials: The materials presented during lectures will be made available on the “Virtuale” platform of Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Dallolio