PUBH 100: Introduction to Public Health
Comprehensive Exam: Actual Questions and Answers
100% Accuracy (Verified by Professor)
Department of Public Health
College of Health Professions
Course Instructor: Professor [Name Redacted]
Corresponding Author:
Academic Year: 2026-2027
Date of Examination: June 2026
Abstract
This document presents a 40-question comprehensive examination for PUBH 100: Introduction to Public
Health, designed as a synthesis assessment of foundational public health knowledge. The examination spans
four domains: foundations, history, and core functions of public health (10 questions) covering historical
milestones (Shattuck, Snow), the three core functions, the 10 Essential Public Health Services (2020/2026
updates), and levels of prevention; epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based practice (10 questions)
addressing the epidemiological triad, measures of disease frequency, study designs, screening test properties,
confidence intervals, and DALYs; environmental, occupational, and global health (10 questions)
encompassing the hierarchy of controls, climate change and vector-borne disease, One Health, water safety,
the Flint water crisis, and global health metrics; and health policy, ethics, social determinants of health, and
2026 updates (10 questions) including SDOH frameworks, structural racism, HiAP, digital determinants,
post-pandemic resilience, and ethical resource allocation. Content reflects 2026-2027 academic standards.
Each question includes four options with one correct answer and detailed rationale. The examination allocates
2.50 points per question for 100 total points with an 80% mastery threshold.
Keywords: public health foundations, core functions, essential services, epidemiology, biostatistics,
environmental health, social determinants, health equity, 2026 updates
Parameter Detail
Course PUBH 100: Introduction to Public Health
Examination Comprehensive Exam (Actual Questions and Answers)
,Total Questions 40 (Multiple Choice, A-D)
Total Points 100 (2.50 points per question)
Passing Threshold 80% (80 points)
Cognitive Distribution 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Year Alignment 2026-2027 Academic Standards
Verification Professor-Verified for 100% Accuracy
, Section 1: Foundations, History, and Core Functions of Public Health
Questions 1-10 | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
This section assesses understanding of foundational public health milestones (Shattuck, Snow, first health departments),
the three core functions (Assessment, Policy Development, Assurance), the 10 Essential Public Health Services
(2020/2026 equity-centered framework), levels of prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary), and emergency preparedness
infrastructure.
Q1. Lemuel Shattuck's 1850 Report of the Sanitary Commission of Massachusetts is considered a
landmark in American public health. Which recommendation from this report had the most lasting
impact on modern public health infrastructure? [Recall]
A. Mandatory smallpox vaccination for all children.
B. Establishment of state and local health departments with routine collection of vital statistics
(births, deaths, marriages), which became the foundation of modern public health surveillance and
assessment systems. [CORRECT]
C. Construction of centralized water filtration plants for all municipalities.
D. Creation of the first medical school dedicated to public health training.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shattuck's recommendation for organized health departments with systematic vital statistics
collection laid the groundwork for the assessment function of public health. This infrastructure persists today
as the foundation of birth/death registration systems used for monitoring population health.
Q2. A county health department identifies a cluster of foodborne illness cases linked to a local
restaurant. The department inspects the restaurant, issues a closure order, and monitors staff health.
Which of the three core public health functions is primarily being demonstrated? [Application]
A. Assessment, because the department identified the outbreak cluster.
B. Policy Development, because the department created a closure order.
Section 2: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Practice
Questions 11-20 | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
This section evaluates proficiency in incidence and prevalence measures, odds ratio calculation, screening test properties
(sensitivity, specificity, true positives), confidence interval interpretation, the epidemiological triad, relative risk, study
design selection for outbreak investigation, evidence-based public health, infant mortality, and DALYs.
C. Assurance, because the department is enforcing health regulations, ensuring food safety
standards are met, and directly providing public health protection through inspection and
enforcement. [CORRECT]
D. All three functions equally, because outbreak response requires all core functions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assurance encompasses regulatory enforcement and direct service delivery to protect health.
Inspecting the restaurant, enforcing the closure order, and monitoring staff are classic assurance activities
that guarantee minimum health standards are maintained.
Q3. In 2026, a local health department launches a new digital syndromic surveillance system that
monitors emergency department visits in real time to detect disease outbreaks earlier than
traditional reporting. Which of the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) does this primarily
represent? [Application]
A. EPHS 1: Assess and monitor population health status to identify and address health inequities.
[CORRECT]
B. EPHS 2: Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the population.
C. EPHS 10: Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure.
Comprehensive Exam: Actual Questions and Answers
100% Accuracy (Verified by Professor)
Department of Public Health
College of Health Professions
Course Instructor: Professor [Name Redacted]
Corresponding Author:
Academic Year: 2026-2027
Date of Examination: June 2026
Abstract
This document presents a 40-question comprehensive examination for PUBH 100: Introduction to Public
Health, designed as a synthesis assessment of foundational public health knowledge. The examination spans
four domains: foundations, history, and core functions of public health (10 questions) covering historical
milestones (Shattuck, Snow), the three core functions, the 10 Essential Public Health Services (2020/2026
updates), and levels of prevention; epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based practice (10 questions)
addressing the epidemiological triad, measures of disease frequency, study designs, screening test properties,
confidence intervals, and DALYs; environmental, occupational, and global health (10 questions)
encompassing the hierarchy of controls, climate change and vector-borne disease, One Health, water safety,
the Flint water crisis, and global health metrics; and health policy, ethics, social determinants of health, and
2026 updates (10 questions) including SDOH frameworks, structural racism, HiAP, digital determinants,
post-pandemic resilience, and ethical resource allocation. Content reflects 2026-2027 academic standards.
Each question includes four options with one correct answer and detailed rationale. The examination allocates
2.50 points per question for 100 total points with an 80% mastery threshold.
Keywords: public health foundations, core functions, essential services, epidemiology, biostatistics,
environmental health, social determinants, health equity, 2026 updates
Parameter Detail
Course PUBH 100: Introduction to Public Health
Examination Comprehensive Exam (Actual Questions and Answers)
,Total Questions 40 (Multiple Choice, A-D)
Total Points 100 (2.50 points per question)
Passing Threshold 80% (80 points)
Cognitive Distribution 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis
Year Alignment 2026-2027 Academic Standards
Verification Professor-Verified for 100% Accuracy
, Section 1: Foundations, History, and Core Functions of Public Health
Questions 1-10 | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
This section assesses understanding of foundational public health milestones (Shattuck, Snow, first health departments),
the three core functions (Assessment, Policy Development, Assurance), the 10 Essential Public Health Services
(2020/2026 equity-centered framework), levels of prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary), and emergency preparedness
infrastructure.
Q1. Lemuel Shattuck's 1850 Report of the Sanitary Commission of Massachusetts is considered a
landmark in American public health. Which recommendation from this report had the most lasting
impact on modern public health infrastructure? [Recall]
A. Mandatory smallpox vaccination for all children.
B. Establishment of state and local health departments with routine collection of vital statistics
(births, deaths, marriages), which became the foundation of modern public health surveillance and
assessment systems. [CORRECT]
C. Construction of centralized water filtration plants for all municipalities.
D. Creation of the first medical school dedicated to public health training.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shattuck's recommendation for organized health departments with systematic vital statistics
collection laid the groundwork for the assessment function of public health. This infrastructure persists today
as the foundation of birth/death registration systems used for monitoring population health.
Q2. A county health department identifies a cluster of foodborne illness cases linked to a local
restaurant. The department inspects the restaurant, issues a closure order, and monitors staff health.
Which of the three core public health functions is primarily being demonstrated? [Application]
A. Assessment, because the department identified the outbreak cluster.
B. Policy Development, because the department created a closure order.
Section 2: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Practice
Questions 11-20 | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
This section evaluates proficiency in incidence and prevalence measures, odds ratio calculation, screening test properties
(sensitivity, specificity, true positives), confidence interval interpretation, the epidemiological triad, relative risk, study
design selection for outbreak investigation, evidence-based public health, infant mortality, and DALYs.
C. Assurance, because the department is enforcing health regulations, ensuring food safety
standards are met, and directly providing public health protection through inspection and
enforcement. [CORRECT]
D. All three functions equally, because outbreak response requires all core functions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assurance encompasses regulatory enforcement and direct service delivery to protect health.
Inspecting the restaurant, enforcing the closure order, and monitoring staff are classic assurance activities
that guarantee minimum health standards are maintained.
Q3. In 2026, a local health department launches a new digital syndromic surveillance system that
monitors emergency department visits in real time to detect disease outbreaks earlier than
traditional reporting. Which of the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) does this primarily
represent? [Application]
A. EPHS 1: Assess and monitor population health status to identify and address health inequities.
[CORRECT]
B. EPHS 2: Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the population.
C. EPHS 10: Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure.
