Applied Epidemiology in North Coast NSW

Abstract

I undertook my Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) placement at North Coast Population and Public Health (NSW Health) in Coffs Harbour from March 2023 to October 2024. This thesis presents the activities and projects I was involved in during my placement.

The first chapter provides an overview of my field placement and the activities I was involved in outside of my major MAE projects. The second chapter presents an epidemiological study examining syphilis testing trends for people who use drugs attending sexual health services in North Coast NSW between 2022 and 2023. Chapter three reports an investigation of a gastrointestinal illness outbreak in attendees to a Tweed Heads birthday dinner. The fourth chapter involves a data analysis of Q fever notifications in North Coast NSW between 2014 and 2023. The fifth chapter presents the evaluation of the residential aged care facilities acute respiratory infection outbreak surveillance system in North Coast NSW. Finally, chapter six details my teaching experience during the lessons from the field and teaching first year MAE students' sessions.

The work presented in this thesis demonstrates my ability to meet the core competencies required for the MAE program and contribute to public health research and practice. Show more