B1

Introduction to Epidemiology

• Epidemiology is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
• It includes the application of this study to the control of health problems.
• Epidemiological principles and methods are applied in several key areas:
  • Clinical research
  • Disease prevention
  • Health promotion
  • Health protection
  • Health services research

Pioneers of Epidemiology

• Hippocrates: Known as the Father of Medicine and the very first epidemiologist. He helped initiate the study of disease.
• John Graunt: Recognized as the Father of vital statistics and is associated with the science of demography.
• James Lind: Associated with the study of Scurvy and the use of citrus fruit as a treatment.
• William Farr: Identified as a significant pioneer in the field.
• John Snow: Identified as a significant pioneer in the field.
• Wade Hampton Frost: Served as a Professor of epidemiology in the United States.
• Bradford Hill: Specialised in chronic disease epidemiology and clinical research.
• Richard Doll: Specialised in chronic disease epidemiology and clinical research.

Scope of Epidemiology

1. Causation of Disease: Investigating why diseases occur.
2. Natural History of Disease: Studying the progression of a disease from its inception to resolution.
3. Health Status of the Population: Measuring and monitoring the overall health of specific groups.
4. Evaluation of Interventions: Assessing the effectiveness of health programs and treatments.

Aims and Objectives of Epidemiology

Ultimate Aim of Epidemiology

• To eliminate or reduce the health problems of the community.
• To promote the health and well-being of society as a whole.

Specific Aims and Objectives

1. To describe the distribution and magnitude of health and disease problems in the population.
2. To identify etiological factors, also known as risk factors, in the pathogenesis of disease.
3. To provide data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services for the prevention, control, and treatment of disease, and setting priorities among those services.

Core Epidemiologic Functions

• Public Health Surveillance: Used to monitor health events.
• Field Investigation: Used to detect health issues; specifically conducted when a "sakit" or disease is present.
• Analytic Studies: Conducted to find associations and causes.
• Evaluation: Assessing the relevance and effectiveness of activities.
• Linkages: Maintaining connections with other health professionals and organizations.
• Policy Development: Used for the improvement or creation of laws and rules; according to the notation "Ginagamit para gumawa ng law or rules."

Questions and Discussion

Multiple Choice Question 1

• Question: He is referred to as the Father of Medicine and the very first epidemiologist.
  • a. John Graunt
  • b. Hippocrates
  • c. James Lind
  • d. Wade Hampton
• Answer: B
• Ratio: Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine and helped start the study of disease.

Multiple Choice Question 2

• Question: Which of the following statements is/are not correct?
  • a. John Graunt: Science of demography

Classroom Orientation and Administrative Information

• Student Information:
  • Name: Pavado Sheryl N.
  • Section: BML2-01
  • Subject: Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• The instructor for Biostatistics and Epidemiology will discuss the following classroom matters:
  1. The calendar of activities for major examinations.
  2. Classroom rules and regulations.
  3. Computation of grades specific for this subject.
  4. The essence and significance in grade computation of the student activity modules.
  5. Election for block officers (if this is the first subject of the class).
  6. Any other information deemed necessary by the instructor.

Learning Targets

• Explain the definition of epidemiology.
• List the applications of epidemiology.
• Identify the pioneers of epidemiology.
• Familiarize the scope, aim, objective, and core epidemiologic functions of epidemiology.