Mains Syllabus of ICMR Exam 2024
1. Research Methodology
1.1. Fundamentals of Research
- Scientific Method: Understanding the principles of scientific inquiry, including observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Types of Research: Distinguishing between different research approaches like descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, and experimental research.
- Research Ethics: Comprehending ethical considerations in research, including informed consent, confidentiality, data privacy, and responsible data management.
- Research Design: Familiarizing oneself with various research designs, such as cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-control, and randomized controlled trials.
- Sampling Techniques: Understanding different sampling methods, including probability sampling (simple random, stratified, cluster) and non-probability sampling (convenience, purposive, snowball).
1.2. Data Collection and Analysis
- Data Collection Methods: Knowing the strengths and limitations of various data collection techniques, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis.
- Measurement and Scaling: Understanding different measurement scales (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) and their implications for data analysis.
- Data Analysis Techniques: Familiarity with statistical methods for data analysis, including descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation), inferential statistics (t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis), and qualitative data analysis techniques.
- Statistical Software: Basic proficiency in using statistical software packages like SPSS, R, or STATA for data analysis.
1.3. Writing and Dissemination of Research
- Scientific Writing: Understanding the principles of clear, concise, and objective scientific writing.
- Research Reports: Ability to write comprehensive research reports, including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.
- Scientific Presentations: Effective communication of research findings through oral presentations and poster presentations.
- Publication Ethics: Understanding the ethical guidelines for publishing research findings in scientific journals.
2. Public Health
2.1. Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Epidemiology: Understanding the principles of epidemiology, including disease occurrence, distribution, determinants, and control.
- Epidemiological Studies: Familiarity with different types of epidemiological studies, such as cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies.
- Biostatistics: Understanding basic statistical concepts and their application in public health research, including measures of central tendency, variability, and association.
- Disease Surveillance: Knowledge of disease surveillance systems and their role in public health.
- Health Indicators: Understanding key health indicators used to assess population health, such as mortality rates, morbidity rates, and life expectancy.
2.2. Health Systems and Services
- Health Systems: Understanding the structure and functioning of health systems, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
- Health Services Delivery: Knowledge of different models of health service delivery, including community-based health services, hospital-based care, and specialized services.
- Health Policy and Planning: Understanding the role of health policy in shaping health systems and services.
- Health Financing: Knowledge of different mechanisms for financing health services, including government funding, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments.
- Health Equity: Understanding the concept of health equity and the factors that contribute to health disparities.
2.3. Environmental Health
- Environmental Hazards: Understanding the impact of environmental hazards on human health, including air pollution, water pollution, and climate change.
- Environmental Health Risk Assessment: Knowledge of methods for assessing environmental health risks.
- Environmental Health Interventions: Understanding strategies for mitigating environmental health risks, such as pollution control, waste management, and public health education.
- Occupational Health: Understanding the health risks associated with different occupations and the measures for preventing occupational diseases.
2.4. Nutrition and Food Safety
- Nutritional Epidemiology: Understanding the relationship between diet and health outcomes.
- Dietary Guidelines: Knowledge of national and international dietary guidelines.
- Food Safety: Understanding the principles of food safety, including foodborne illnesses, food handling practices, and food regulations.
- Malnutrition: Understanding the causes, consequences, and interventions for malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition.
3. Communicable Diseases
3.1. Infectious Diseases
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Understanding the epidemiology of major infectious diseases, including their transmission, pathogenesis, and control.
- Bacterial Infections: Knowledge of common bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and food poisoning.
- Viral Infections: Understanding viral infections, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, and measles.
- Parasitic Infections: Knowledge of parasitic infections, such as malaria, filariasis, and schistosomiasis.
- Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases: Understanding the factors contributing to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases.
3.2. Immunization and Vaccine Development
- Principles of Immunization: Understanding the principles of vaccination and the mechanisms of immune response.
- Vaccine Development: Knowledge of the process of vaccine development, including research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval.
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases: Understanding the major vaccine-preventable diseases and their impact on public health.
- Vaccine Safety and Efficacy: Understanding the safety and efficacy of vaccines and the importance of vaccine surveillance.
3.3. Disease Control and Prevention
- Public Health Interventions: Understanding the different public health interventions for controlling and preventing infectious diseases, including vaccination, case management, contact tracing, and environmental sanitation.
- Surveillance and Response: Knowledge of disease surveillance systems and the role of public health in responding to outbreaks.
- Global Health Initiatives: Understanding global health initiatives aimed at controlling and eliminating infectious diseases, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
4. Non-Communicable Diseases
4.1. Cardiovascular Diseases
- Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases: Understanding the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
- Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases: Knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: Understanding the strategies for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgical interventions.
4.2. Cancer
- Cancer Epidemiology: Understanding the epidemiology of different types of cancer, including their incidence, mortality, and risk factors.
- Cancer Prevention: Knowledge of strategies for cancer prevention, including lifestyle modifications, vaccination, and early detection.
- Cancer Treatment: Understanding the different modalities of cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
4.3. Diabetes
- Diabetes Epidemiology: Understanding the epidemiology of diabetes, including its prevalence, incidence, and risk factors.
- Diabetes Management: Knowledge of strategies for managing diabetes, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and self-monitoring.
- Diabetes Complications: Understanding the long-term complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and nephropathy.
4.4. Mental Health
- Mental Health Epidemiology: Understanding the epidemiology of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
- Mental Health Services: Knowledge of mental health services, including counseling, psychotherapy, and medication.
- Mental Health Promotion: Understanding strategies for promoting mental health and well-being.
5. Reproductive Health
5.1. Family Planning
- Family Planning Methods: Understanding the different methods of family planning, including hormonal methods, barrier methods, and surgical methods.
- Reproductive Health Services: Knowledge of reproductive health services, including contraception, prenatal care, and postpartum care.
- Reproductive Rights: Understanding the concept of reproductive rights and the importance of access to safe and effective family planning services.
5.2. Maternal Health
- Maternal Mortality: Understanding the causes and consequences of maternal mortality.
- Prenatal Care: Knowledge of the importance of prenatal care and the different components of prenatal care.
- Childbirth: Understanding the different stages of childbirth and the role of healthcare providers in childbirth.
- Postpartum Care: Knowledge of the importance of postpartum care and the different components of postpartum care.
5.3. Child Health
- Child Mortality: Understanding the causes and consequences of child mortality.
- Child Immunization: Knowledge of the importance of child immunization and the different vaccines recommended for children.
- Child Nutrition: Understanding the importance of child nutrition and the different nutritional needs of children.
- Child Development: Knowledge of the different stages of child development and the factors that influence child development.
6. Health Informatics
6.1. Health Data Management
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Understanding the principles of EHRs and their role in healthcare.
- Data Security and Privacy: Knowledge of data security and privacy regulations, such as HIPAA.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Understanding the use of data analytics in healthcare, including disease surveillance, quality improvement, and research.
6.2. Health Information Systems
- Health Information Systems (HIS): Understanding the different types of HIS and their role in healthcare.
- Public Health Information Systems: Knowledge of public health information systems, such as disease surveillance systems and immunization registries.
- Telehealth and Telemedicine: Understanding the use of telehealth and telemedicine in healthcare.
6.3. Health Communication
- Health Communication Strategies: Understanding different strategies for communicating health information to the public.
- Health Literacy: Knowledge of health literacy and its importance in promoting health behaviors.
- Social Media and Health: Understanding the role of social media in health communication.
7. Current Trends in Public Health
7.1. Global Health Challenges
- Emerging Infectious Diseases: Understanding the challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.
- Non-Communicable Diseases: Understanding the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases globally.
- Climate Change and Health: Understanding the impact of climate change on human health.
- Health Disparities: Understanding the global health disparities and the factors that contribute to them.
7.2. Health Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare: Understanding the potential of AI in healthcare, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery.
- Big Data Analytics in Healthcare: Understanding the use of big data analytics in healthcare for improving patient care and public health.
- Precision Medicine: Understanding the concept of precision medicine and its implications for healthcare.
7.3. Health Policy and Governance
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Understanding the concept of UHC and the challenges in achieving it.
- Health System Strengthening: Understanding the importance of strengthening health systems to improve health outcomes.
- Health Financing: Understanding the different models of health financing and their implications for health equity.
8. ICMR and its Role in Public Health
8.1. History and Mandate of ICMR
- Establishment and Evolution of ICMR: Understanding the history and evolution of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- Mandate and Objectives of ICMR: Knowledge of the mandate and objectives of ICMR in promoting and supporting medical research in India.
8.2. ICMR’s Research Programs
- Research Priorities of ICMR: Understanding the research priorities of ICMR, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and emerging health challenges.
- Major Research Initiatives of ICMR: Knowledge of the major research initiatives undertaken by ICMR, such as the National AIDS Control Programme, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
8.3. ICMR’s Role in Policy and Advocacy
- ICMR’s Contribution to Health Policy: Understanding the role of ICMR in providing evidence-based recommendations for health policy.
- ICMR’s Advocacy for Public Health: Knowledge of ICMR’s advocacy efforts to promote public health and improve health outcomes in India.
9. Current Issues in Public Health
9.1. COVID-19 Pandemic
- Epidemiology and Transmission of COVID-19: Understanding the epidemiology and transmission of COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Therapeutics: Knowledge of the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
- Impact of COVID-19 on Public Health: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on public health, including the economic and social consequences.
9.2. Antimicrobial Resistance
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Understanding the threat of AMR and its impact on global health.
- Strategies for Combating AMR: Knowledge of strategies for combating AMR, including responsible antibiotic use, surveillance, and research.
9.3. Mental Health
- Mental Health in India: Understanding the burden of mental health disorders in India.
- Mental Health Services in India: Knowledge of the availability and accessibility of mental health services in India.
9.4. Health Disparities
- Health Disparities in India: Understanding the health disparities in India, including those based on caste, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- Addressing Health Disparities: Knowledge of strategies for addressing health disparities in India.
10. International Health
10.1. Global Health Organizations
- World Health Organization (WHO): Understanding the role of WHO in global health.
- Other Global Health Organizations: Knowledge of other global health organizations, such as UNICEF, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund.
10.2. Global Health Issues
- Global Health Challenges: Understanding the major global health challenges, such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and climate change.
- International Health Collaboration: Knowledge of the importance of international health collaboration in addressing global health challenges.
10.3. Health Diplomacy
- Health Diplomacy: Understanding the role of health diplomacy in promoting global health.
- Health Security: Knowledge of the concept of health security and its importance in preventing and responding to global health threats.
Table 1: Key Health Indicators in India
| Indicator | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy at Birth (Years) | 69.7 | 70.0 | 70.3 |
| Infant Mortality Rate (Per 1000 Live Births) | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Under-5 Mortality Rate (Per 1000 Live Births) | 38 | 37 | 36 |
| Maternal Mortality Ratio (Per 100,000 Live Births) | 113 | 110 | 107 |
| Total Fertility Rate (Children Per Woman) | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Prevalence of HIV (Adults Aged 15-49) | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Prevalence of Tuberculosis (Per 100,000 Population) | 180 | 175 | 170 |
| Prevalence of Diabetes (Adults Aged 20-79) | 10.4% | 10.7% | 11.0% |
| Prevalence of Hypertension (Adults Aged 25-64) | 24.2% | 24.5% | 24.8% |
Table 2: ICMR’s Research Priorities
| Priority Area | Key Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Infectious Diseases | Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Dengue, COVID-19 |
| Non-Communicable Diseases | Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Mental Health |
| Maternal and Child Health | Maternal Mortality, Infant Mortality, Child Nutrition, Immunization |
| Emerging Health Challenges | Antimicrobial Resistance, Climate Change and Health, Health Disparities |
| Traditional Medicine | Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha |
| Biomedical Research | Biotechnology, Genomics, Stem Cell Research |
| Health Informatics | Electronic Health Records, Data Analytics, Telehealth |
This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the key topics covered in the ICMR exam. Candidates are advised to refer to relevant textbooks, journals, and online resources for detailed information on each topic. It is also important to stay updated on current trends and developments in public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for ICMR Exam 2024 Mains Syllabus
Research Methodology
Q: What are the different types of research designs?
A: Common research designs include cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-control, and randomized controlled trials. Each design has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the research question.
Q: How do I choose the right sampling technique for my research?
A: The choice of sampling technique depends on the research question, population size, and available resources. Probability sampling methods like simple random, stratified, and cluster sampling are preferred for generalizability, while non-probability methods like convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling are used for specific purposes.
Q: What are the key elements of a good research report?
A: A good research report includes a clear abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references. It should be well-written, concise, and objective.
Public Health
Q: What are the main determinants of health?
**A: ** Determinants of health include biological factors, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, and social factors.
Q: What is the difference between morbidity and mortality?
A: Morbidity refers to the incidence of disease, while mortality refers to the incidence of death.
Q: What are the key components of a health system?
A: A health system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels, along with financing, governance, and workforce.
Communicable Diseases
Q: What are the major modes of transmission for infectious diseases?
A: Modes of transmission include airborne, droplet, contact, fecal-oral, and vector-borne.
Q: What are the key principles of immunization?
A: Immunization involves introducing a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against future infections.
Q: What are some emerging infectious diseases of concern?
A: Emerging infectious diseases include Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Q: What are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases?
A: Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
Q: What are the different stages of cancer development?
A: Cancer development involves initiation, promotion, and progression stages.
Q: What are the common complications of diabetes?
A: Complications include cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
Reproductive Health
Q: What are the different methods of family planning?
A: Methods include hormonal methods, barrier methods, surgical methods, and natural family planning.
Q: What are the key components of prenatal care?
A: Prenatal care includes regular checkups, monitoring fetal development, and addressing potential complications.
Q: What are the major causes of child mortality?
A: Causes include pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and malnutrition.
Health Informatics
Q: What are the benefits of using electronic health records (EHRs)?
A: Benefits include improved patient care, reduced medical errors, and enhanced data management.
Q: What are the key principles of data security and privacy?
A: Key principles include confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Q: What are some applications of telehealth and telemedicine?
A: Applications include remote consultations, monitoring patient health, and providing medical education.
Current Trends in Public Health
Q: What are the major challenges posed by climate change to human health?
A: Challenges include increased heat stress, air pollution, and spread of infectious diseases.
Q: What are the potential benefits of using AI in healthcare?
A: Benefits include improved diagnosis, personalized treatment, and drug discovery.
Q: What are the key principles of universal health coverage (UHC)?
A: UHC aims to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
ICMR and its Role in Public Health
Q: What is the mandate of ICMR?
A: ICMR’s mandate is to promote and support medical research in India.
Q: What are some of ICMR’s major research initiatives?
A: Initiatives include the National AIDS Control Programme, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
Q: How does ICMR contribute to health policy?
A: ICMR provides evidence-based recommendations for health policy based on its research findings.
Current Issues in Public Health
Q: What are the key challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Challenges include preventing transmission, developing vaccines and treatments, and addressing the economic and social consequences.
Q: What are the major strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance?
A: Strategies include responsible antibiotic use, surveillance, and research.
Q: What are the key factors contributing to health disparities in India?
A: Factors include caste, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location.
International Health
Q: What is the role of WHO in global health?
A: WHO provides leadership on global health matters, sets norms and standards, and provides technical support to countries.
Q: What are some of the major global health challenges?
A: Challenges include infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, climate change, and health disparities.
Q: What is the importance of health diplomacy?
A: Health diplomacy promotes international cooperation and collaboration to address global health challenges.
These FAQs and short answers provide a starting point for understanding the key concepts and issues covered in the ICMR exam. Candidates are encouraged to explore these topics in greater depth through further reading and research.