Epidemiology + Prevention + Technologies and disorders

Chapter 16, 17, 18

What is epidemiology? (Definition)

The study of patterns of disease in a population to figure out the cause and how to stop it.

Why do we look at whole populations instead of individuals in epidemiology? (Conceptual)

Because it helps scientists see patterns—like specific locations, ages, or habits—that wouldn't show up if you only looked at one person.

What’s the main difference between Incidence and Prevalence? (Comparison)

Incidence is the number of "new" cases in a specific time, while Prevalence is the "total" number of people living with the disease at any one time.

A researcher follows 1,000 smokers and 1,000 non-smokers for 20 years to see who develops lung cancer. What kind of study is this? (Application)

A cohort study (it follows healthy people over time based on their exposure).

Case-control studies vs. Cohort studies? (Comparison)

Case-control looks backward at people who are already sick (cases) to find a cause. Cohort studies look forward, following healthy groups to see if an exposure leads to sickness.

What is a "confounding factor"? (Definition)

An unrecognised factor that messes with results because it also contributes to the disease (like a study on asbestos that forgets to account for smoking).

Why do large sample sizes matter in epidemiological studies? (Conceptual)

A large sample reduces "random errors" (luck of the draw) and makes the results much more precise and representative of the real world.

What is the difference between random error and systematic error? (Comparison)

Random errors are unpredictable variations that make data less precise. Systematic errors (bias) actually push the results in a wrong direction.

A study on workplace health only interviews people who are currently at their desks. Why is this a problem? (Application)

It’s "healthy worker bias" (systematic error). People who got too sick to work aren't there to be counted, making the data look better than it is.

What is Targeted Therapy in cancer treatment? (Definition)

Using drugs that specifically block the molecules or pathways that tell cancer cells to grow and divide.

Treatment vs. Management? (Comparison)

Treatment tries to cure the disease or fix the cause. Management just focuses on making the symptoms less severe to improve quality of life when a cure isn't available.

Why are scientists looking for more gene mutations in melanoma research? (Conceptual)

Because identifying specific mutations allows them to create more "targeted" drugs that "switch off" the exact pathway causing that person's cancer.

How does Immunotherapy work? (Conceptual)

It uses drugs (like checkpoint inhibitors) to stop cancer cells from "hiding" so that the body’s own immune system can find and destroy them.

A couple carrying a gene for cystic fibrosis wants to have a child without the disease. What technology can help? (Application)

Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) using IVF to check embryos before they are implanted.

What is "Golden Rice"? (Definition)

Rice genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene (Vitamin A) to prevent blindness and immune issues in developing countries.

What is the underlying mechanism of a public health campaign like "Slip, Slop, Slap"? (Conceptual)

It aims to change the behavior of a whole population by educating them on risk factors (UV exposure) to lower the incidence of disease (skin cancer).

How does legislation (like cigarette taxes) help prevent non-infectious disease? (Conceptual)

It creates a financial deterrent to discourage people from using harmful substances, which eventually lowers the rates of related diseases.

The government sees a massive spike in type 2 diabetes and decides to create a social media campaign and a "sugar tax." What are they doing? (Application)

They are using a "multifaceted approach" (education + legislation) to target a non-infectious disease outbreak.

Why is PGT considered 100% effective in preventing a genetic disease in a family? (Conceptual)

Because it ensures only embryos that are free of the specific mutated gene are chosen for pregnancy, completely removing the risk for that child.

Education programs vs. Legislation? (Comparison)

Education programs try to "convince" people to change their habits through information. Legislation "forces" or "strongly encourages" change through laws and taxes.