Intro to Epidemiology

epidemiology

the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to control health problems

objectives of epidemiology

• identify the etiology or cause of a disease and the relevant risk factors

• determine the extent of disease found in the community

• study the natural history and prognosis of disease

• evaluate the existing and newly developed preventive and theraupetic mesaures and modes of health care delivery

• provide a foundation for developing public health policy relating to envrionmental problems genetic issues, and other considerations regarding disease prevention and health promotion

goal of epidemiology

identify subgroups who are at high risk of idetnifying disease

primary prevention

focuses on preventing disease or injury before it happens

ex. vaccines, education, etc

secondary prevention

involves early detection and treatment to prevent worsening or complications

ex. mammogram screenings

tertiary prevention

focuses on managing existing conditions to minimize thier impact and improve quality of life

ex. rehab after stroke

prevalance

total number of cases or people affected by a particular disease

incidence

new diagnoses in a specific time

endemic

expected outcome (number) of disease in that year

epidemic

higher outcome (number) of disease in that year

pandemic

higher outcome (number) of disease in that year globally

correlation

indicates an association between two variables, meaning they tend to change together

causation

one variable directly causes a change in another