Public Health and Epidemiology

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to public health and epidemiology, based on lecture notes.

Public Health

The practice of preventing disease and promoting good health within groups of people from small communities to entire countries.

Epidemiology

The study of the determinants, distribution, and frequency of disease within populations.

Assessment

The core function of public health that involves collecting and analyzing information regarding health problems.

Policy Development

The process in public health aimed at creating policies that support individual and community health efforts.

Assurance

A core function of public health that ensures health services are available, accessible, and of high quality for communities.

Determinants

Factors that influence the occurrence of disease and other health-related events.

Epidemic

A disease occurrence among a population that exceeds what is expected in a given time and place.

Endemic

A disease or condition that is consistently present among a population.

Pandemic

A disease that spreads across regions or continents affecting a large number of people.

Incidence Rate

The rate of new cases of a condition or disease in a population within a specified time period.

Prevalence Rate

The portion or percentage of a disease or condition in a population at any given time.