Introduction. Subject matter, history, and modern environment
11 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
Hygiene is a fundamental preventive discipline in medicine. In this section, we examine its foundation: the subject and tasks, the main methods of hygienic research, and the history of the science's formation. Special attention is paid to the development of hygiene in Russia and its prominent founders — A. P. Dobroslavin and F. F. Erisman.
From a historical excursion, the section moves on to contemporary realities. You will study the concepts of the biosphere and noosphere, global environmental problems, and the mechanisms by which a polluted environment affects human health. The outcome of your study will be an understanding of the basics of the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population — the main goal of a sanitary physician's practical work.
Frequently asked questions in classes: During the first seminars and module tests, instructors consistently require knowledge of the classification of hygienic research methods (from physicochemical to epidemiological), the ability to assess the contribution of domestic scientists, and a clear explanation of the link between specific environmental factors and the rise in morbidity.
What is the main difference between the object of study of hygiene and clinical disciplines?
Hygiene studies exclusively a healthy person in their interaction with the environment, whereas the clinic focuses on a sick person whose capabilities are limited by disease.
What are pre-morbid states?
These are early, hidden signs of pre-disease in practically healthy individuals, detected by clinical and laboratory tests before a pronounced disease develops.
What is an acceptable risk in the context of hygiene?
This is a level of threat at which there is no unacceptable danger to life, health, or the environment. It is calculated mathematically; for example, the acceptable carcinogenic risk is 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶.
What is the main postulate of V. I. Vernadsky's teaching?
The main postulate states that living organisms play a colossal and determining role in the processes of transforming the appearance of planet Earth.
Who are considered the founders of the therapeutic and prophylactic direction in Russia?
At the origins of this direction stood the greatest domestic physicians: therapists M. Ya. Mudrov, G. A. Zakharyin, S. P. Botkin, and surgeon N. I. Pirogov.
Why did the water supply system in Ancient Rome cause mass illnesses?
Lead was used to make pipes. Due to a lack of hygienic knowledge, people did not understand that water leaches the heavy metal, leading to chronic intoxication.
Master the entire topic in the "Hygiene" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
530 pages of study guides on all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium