12.2 Epidemiology and Disparities

Incidence

A measure of the number of new cases of an illness overall per population in a given amount of time.

Prevalence

The total number of cases within an amount of time, both new during the period as well as preexisting before the period.

Morbidity

Burden or degree of illness associated with a given disease.

Mortality

The number of deaths caused by a given disease.

Second Sickness

Exacerbation of health outcomes caused by social injustice.

Medicare

Covers patients over the age of 65.

Medicaid

Covers patients who are in significant financial need.