Laboratorio: stili di vita e salute
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides tools to critically read and interpret scientific evidence on the relationship between lifestyles and health.
The course addresses the main modifiable health-related factors, including diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, alcohol, smoking and stress, discussing both their public health impact and the main methodological limitations of available studies.
Particular attention will be given to the critical appraisal of observational studies, controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with a focus on bias, confounding, forest plots, biomarkers and the distinction between association and causality.
The course addresses the main modifiable health-related factors, including diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, alcohol, smoking and stress, discussing both their public health impact and the main methodological limitations of available studies.
Particular attention will be given to the critical appraisal of observational studies, controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with a focus on bias, confounding, forest plots, biomarkers and the distinction between association and causality.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
· describe the main determinants of lifestyles and their relationship with health;
· distinguish between observational studies, experimental studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses;
· recognise bias, confounding and measurement error in lifestyle studies;
· interpret PICO/PECO, PRISMA flow diagrams, forest plots, heterogeneity and Risk of Bias;
· understand the role of the main nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and behavioural biomarkers;
· discuss scientific findings clearly and cautiously, according to the strength of the available evidence.
· describe the main determinants of lifestyles and their relationship with health;
· distinguish between observational studies, experimental studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses;
· recognise bias, confounding and measurement error in lifestyle studies;
· interpret PICO/PECO, PRISMA flow diagrams, forest plots, heterogeneity and Risk of Bias;
· understand the role of the main nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and behavioural biomarkers;
· discuss scientific findings clearly and cautiously, according to the strength of the available evidence.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
The course includes lectures, guided discussions and practical activities on the following topics:
1. Introduction to the laboratory
Presentation of the course, learning objectives and working methods. Critical discussion of the concept of a "healthy lifestyle" and its simplifications in public communication.
2. Lifestyles and health
Definition of lifestyle and health. Main modifiable factors: diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, alcohol, smoking and stress. Epidemiological evidence and distinction between association, causality, confounding and spurious correlation.
3. Biomarkers and health indicators
Definition of biomarker and clinical endpoint. Main nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and behavioural biomarkers, with attention to their strengths and limitations in lifestyle assessment.
4. Determinants of lifestyles
Individual, social, economic, cultural and environmental determinants of health behaviours. Assessment tools, self-reported data, limitations and main sources of error.
5. Study methods and critical appraisal
Study designs in lifestyle research, bias, confounding and interpretation of results. Reading of effect sizes, confidence intervals, forest plots, heterogeneity and certainty of evidence. Introduction to large-scale studies, such as the Global Burden of Disease.
6. Applied activities
Analysis of a systematic review with meta-analysis on lifestyles and health, including PICO/PECO definition, Risk of Bias assessment, forest plot interpretation and discussion of biomarkers, limitations and applicability of findings.
1. Introduction to the laboratory
Presentation of the course, learning objectives and working methods. Critical discussion of the concept of a "healthy lifestyle" and its simplifications in public communication.
2. Lifestyles and health
Definition of lifestyle and health. Main modifiable factors: diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, alcohol, smoking and stress. Epidemiological evidence and distinction between association, causality, confounding and spurious correlation.
3. Biomarkers and health indicators
Definition of biomarker and clinical endpoint. Main nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and behavioural biomarkers, with attention to their strengths and limitations in lifestyle assessment.
4. Determinants of lifestyles
Individual, social, economic, cultural and environmental determinants of health behaviours. Assessment tools, self-reported data, limitations and main sources of error.
5. Study methods and critical appraisal
Study designs in lifestyle research, bias, confounding and interpretation of results. Reading of effect sizes, confidence intervals, forest plots, heterogeneity and certainty of evidence. Introduction to large-scale studies, such as the Global Burden of Disease.
6. Applied activities
Analysis of a systematic review with meta-analysis on lifestyles and health, including PICO/PECO definition, Risk of Bias assessment, forest plot interpretation and discussion of biomarkers, limitations and applicability of findings.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Lectures, practical exercises, individual or group work, case-study discussions and guided analysis of scientific articles.
Teaching Resources
Scientific articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines and teaching materials provided through the Ariel platform.
International checklists and guidelines may also be used, including PRISMA, CONSORT, STROBE and Risk of Bias tools.
International checklists and guidelines may also be used, including PRISMA, CONSORT, STROBE and Risk of Bias tools.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment includes:
1. Written report, based on the critical analysis of a systematic review with meta-analysis or, if agreed with the teacher, of a scientific article or epidemiological report relevant to lifestyles and health.
2. Oral presentation followed by discussion with the teacher.
Evaluation will consider understanding of course contents, critical appraisal skills, correct interpretation of results, appropriate use of scientific literature, clarity of presentation and ability to distinguish association from causality.
1. Written report, based on the critical analysis of a systematic review with meta-analysis or, if agreed with the teacher, of a scientific article or epidemiological report relevant to lifestyles and health.
2. Oral presentation followed by discussion with the teacher.
Evaluation will consider understanding of course contents, critical appraisal skills, correct interpretation of results, appropriate use of scientific literature, clarity of presentation and ability to distinguish association from causality.
- University credits: 1
Laboratories: 18 hours
Professor:
Marino Mirko
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Marino MirkoProfessor(s)
Reception:
Every day by appointment
Via Giuseppe Colombo 62, Building 21070, First Floor