Determinants of Individual Cases in Epidemiology - Week 2

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to epidemiology, including definitions of terms important for understanding the study of disease determinants and public health strategies.

Aetiology

The study of causes or origin of diseases.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.

Relative Risk

The risk in exposed individuals relative to the risk in non-exposed individuals.

Case-control method

A study design that compares individuals with a specific condition to those without the condition to identify potential causal factors.

Cohort studies

Observational studies that follow a group of individuals over time to determine the incidence of a specific outcome.

Incidence rate

The measure of the probability of occurrence of a given medical condition in a population within a specified period.

Hypertension

A condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.

Public health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.

Prevalence

The total number of cases of a disease or condition in a population at a specific time.

Population approach

A strategy aimed at controlling the determinants of incidence in the population as a whole.

High-risk strategy

A preventive approach that targets individuals at high risk of developing a disease.

Preventive strategy

A plan aimed at preventing disease before it occurs, often by identifying and modifying risk factors.

Screening

The process of identifying individuals at high risk for a disease or condition before symptoms occur.

Risk factors

Variables associated with an increased likelihood of developing a disease.

Health education

The process of educating people about health and health-related behaviors to improve health outcomes.

Behavioral factors

Personal habits or behaviors that can affect health outcomes, such as diet and exercise.

Social norms

The accepted behaviors within a society or group.

Systolic blood pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Distribution of disease

The pattern of disease occurrence in a population.

Cholesterol levels

The amount of cholesterol found in the blood, which can affect cardiovascular health.

Environmental control methods

Strategies aimed at modifying environmental factors that contribute to health issues.

Migrant health

The health status and health conditions of individuals who move from one region or country to another.

Absolute risk

The actual risk of developing a specific disease over a defined period.

Correlation between exposures

The relationship between levels of exposure and the risk of developing a disease.

Disease prevalence

The total number of diagnosed cases of a disease in a population during a specific period.

Etiological research

Investigative studies aimed at determining the causes and origin of diseases.

Health disparities

Differences in health outcomes and their determinants between segments of the population.

Disease incidence

The number of new cases of a disease that occur in a specific population during a defined period.