Forskning
Image: Lena Mustonen
Global hälsa - En stark forskningsmiljö vid Umeå universitet
Our research activities are characterised by group work across disciplines and cultures. Epidemiological reasoning and methodology are central for disease surveillance in the search for risk factors, as well as in the planning and evaluation of intervention programmes. Studies are therefore largely grouped under three main problem areas, namely aetiological, social and evaluative research, however many projects cover more than one area.
Aetiological studies - often start from a specific disease or suspected exposure. They focus on the relation of disease occurrence to social conditions and exposures, and to environmental and lifestyle related agents. In Sweden, population-based registries of mortality and diseases enable analysis of changing patterns of mortality by geographical and social groups, and also enable the surveillance of various risk environments. Such health information systems are badly needed in developing countries. They may serve as guidelines for primary health care activities and could also enable the assessment of disease trends and predict disease outbreaks. A proper understanding of the aetiology of diseases and the natural history of disease processes - and of health - is essential for designing preventive programmes in public health. National and international studies reflect a wide range of research interests. Several of the studies specifically address the methodological problems of exposure assessment.
Social epidemiology - is directed towards the social patterning of health and disease. The aim of social epidemiology is to characterise, quantify and analyse social stratification of health and health care, focusing on the mal-distribution and social inequity in health. In Sweden, distributional policy issues within the health care sector are increasingly being addressed. The recognition of the key role of community participation for public health promotion is a lesson learnt from Third World experiences. Social epidemiology is also concerned with the social consequences of disease and prevention. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in data collection and in the analyses of social, cultural and gender differences in health. Unfair distribution of health and the prerequisites for health between different strata are of central concern for social epidemiology. From this perspective a number of problem areas that have a special bearing on social epidemiology may be identified. Some may also respond to the international health policy research agenda being developed to meet emerging health problems and the ongoing epidemiological transition.
Evaluative research - An area where Swedish and development research share experiences is evaluative research. Evaluations are a basis for health planning and management. Epidemiological methods are essential in evaluations of preventive measures, such as community interventions and individual preventions within the health sector, as well as when assessing medical technologies and practices. Evaluations of health care measures aim to learn more about the efficacy, cost and ethics of the specific measures, adjusting health programmes accordingly and improving the implementation of public health interventions. In a Third World situation in particular, planning for health must be based on population knowledge, including information regarding the non-users of health services. Some applications are particularly relevant, relating to mother and child health, nutrition and infectious diseases, and the evaluation of primary health care.
