Chapter 1 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the definition of Epidemiology?
The study of the prevalent health conditions of populations
Derived from Latin terms meaning ‘upon people’ and ‘the study of…’.
What are the three main questions epidemiology seeks to answer?
Who, Where, When
These questions help identify the distribution of diseases.
What is the focus of epidemiology?
Populations rather than individuals
Emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention.
List the determinants of health.
- Genetic make up
- Age
- Gender
- Lifestyle choices
- Community influences
- Social environment
- Environmental factors
- Work conditions
- Access to health services
Includes factors like income status, education, and cultural norms.
What are the stages of the natural history of disease?
- Stage of Susceptibility
- Stage of Sub-Clinical Disease
- Stage of Clinical Disease
- Stage of Recovery, Disability, or Death
Each stage represents a different point in the disease process.
What is Primary Prevention?
Health promotion and protection/disease or injury prevention
Examples include proper nutrition and immunizations.
What is Secondary Prevention?
Early diagnosis and treatment of health problems
Involves screening for health issues before symptoms appear.
What does Tertiary Prevention include?
Rehabilitation and/or limitation of disability
Focuses on managing long-term health issues.
Name the three epidemiological models discussed.
- Epidemiological Triad
- Web of Causation
- Wheel model
These models illustrate the interaction of factors in disease causation.
What is the Epidemiological Triad?
A model showing the interaction between host, agent, and environment
Used to understand communicable diseases.
What characterizes an Endemic disease?
The constant presence of a disease within a given geographic area or population group
Refers to the usual prevalence of a disease.
Define Epidemic.
The occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected in a specific area or group
Indicates a sudden increase in disease cases.
What is a Pandemic?
An epidemic occurring over a very wide area affecting a large proportion of the population
Examples include COVID-19 and cholera.
What does the term ‘Sporadic’ refer to in epidemiology?
Cases occur irregularly and infrequently
Shows no connection between cases.
What is the difference between Elimination and Eradication of a disease?
- Elimination: Reduction to minimal level, not a public health problem
- Eradication: Worldwide disappearance of a disease
Elimination allows for some incidence, while eradication means zero cases.
What is the Iceberg phenomenon in epidemiology?
Many cases of illness are undiagnosed or asymptomatic, representing only the ‘tip of the iceberg’
Highlights the hidden burden of disease.
Fill in the blank: The period when an individual has pathogenic changes but no overt clinical symptoms is called the _______.
Stage of Sub-Clinical Disease
What are the components of the Epidemiologic Triad?
- Host
- Agent
- Environment
These components interact to influence disease outcomes.
True or False: An infectious disease is always clinically manifest.
False
In-apparent infections do not show symptoms.
What factors affect disease transmission?
- Host factors
- Vector factors
- Agent factors
- Environmental factors
Includes susceptibility, immune response, and opportunities for exposure.
What is the significance of the Stage of Recovery, Disability, or Death?
It refers to outcomes of a disease without intervention
Outcomes can range from complete recovery to death.
