The theory of knowledge, or epistemology, has always been a core component of Western philosophy. Two of the fundamental questions of epistemology are 1) what is the nature of human knowledge) what is the scope of human knowledge? In other words, what does it mean for us to have knowledge, and how far does our capacity for knowledge reach?
The course makes up the methods core of the PhD program, covers the essentials of statistical methods for different types of data. It forms the theoretical part of the core and will provide students with the statistical foundation necessary to do their dissertation research. Together with epidemiology and demography, they provide computational knowledge and skills required for successful application of biostatistical methods
One of the greatest challenges to development and health is the ever-increasing number of beneficiaries as well as the reduction of productive segments of the populations. Sound knowledge of demography is essential for proper health research planning and provision of healthcare services. Demographic among changes are the most important determinants of development and health of a population. Students will study the history, logic and design of research on topics in core areas of demography (fertility, mortality and migration), and social perspectives on health and development in developed and developing countries. The course is intended to hone the skills and judgment of the student in order to conduct independent research in demography and sociology. Students will discuss the selection of intellectually strategic research questions and practical research designs in these areas.
Epidemiologic course at the doctoral level involves a thorough integration of biological knowledge of pathogenesis, statistical knowledge of quantitative analysis and causal inference, and sociological knowledge to place these insights in the context of dynamic and interconnected human populations. The course is designed specifically for students pursuing PhD to learn statistical theory in the context of epidemiologic concepts.
Health economics is the study of how scarce healthcare resources are allocated among competing interventions and among groups in society. This course introduces concepts and practical issues faced by decision makers at all levels in the health system in allocating scarce resources so that the choices they make maximize health benefits to the population.
Course content
An introduction to key concepts of health economics (e.g. opportunity costs), the demand for and supply of health services, fundamentals of markets and the price mechanism with a focus on the healthcare market; An introduction to economic evaluation in healthcare, with an emphasis on identifying, measuring, valuing and analyzing health outcomes and costs; Presentation and interpretation of the results of economic evaluation and the use of economic evaluation to inform funding decisions and an overview of provision and funding in a healthcare organization.
The students taking this module will be able to develop a rational view of the policy and institutional context, difficulties and opportunities involved in the formulation and implementation of health care and services policies in developing health systems.
Course content
Concepts, principles and processes, definition of Concepts of Health Policy, Introduction to Health Policy, Concepts of Power, Bureaucracy, Discretion, Systems and Environment , Health and social policies, Policy Analysis and Policy Development, Health policy and Sustainable Development, Health Policy and Primary Health Care, The current health and services policy, Globalization and Health Policy in Africa, Health Sector Reforms and Organization of the National Health Care Delivery Systems, Neo-liberal Approach to Health Policy Development: Issues of Poverty and Inequity, Relationships between Health and Social Policy, Approaches to Health and Health Services Policy Development, Politics and Participation in Health Policy, Policy principles in planning, management and development, Policy Development Processes, Relationship between policy and planning and Policy analysis.
The course prepares students to participate in community-based health promotion and disease prevention research with a focus on both developed and developing world. The course introduces key community health concepts and underscores the critical links between community health, disease, and socio-economic development, internationally. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the course addresses a variety of contemporary international community health topics including culture, behavior, and human rights.Students are encouraged to use their research findings to improve the quality and effectiveness of community health action. The course also examines challenges associated with international community health issues and the global efforts and strategies underway to prevent and control them.
Course Content
Changed pattern and spread of disease in internationally, key concepts related to the international burden of disease; categories of morbidity and mortality between high, middle and low-income regions of the world; achievement of sustainable development goals and international community health; international community health partnerships and governance and impact of culture on health behaviors internationally