Lecture 2 - Overview of the Discipline of Epidemiology Flashcards
What is epidemiology?
The study of the DISTRIBUTION and DETERMINANTS of health-related states or events in a population to control disease/illness and promote health
What are the objectives/activities in epidemiology?
- identify (P)atterns
- determine (E)xtent
- study natural (C)ourse of disease
- identify (C)auses or risk factors
- (E)valuate effectiveness of measures to reduce risk or treat
- assist in developing (P)olicy
PECCEP
What are assumptions made in epidemiology?
- disease occurrence is not random
- systematic investigation can identify associations and causal/preventative measures
- comparisons are the cornerstone of assessment/investigation
Define distribution.
The frequency and pattern of disease occurrence.
Who, when, where -> descriptive epidemiology
Define determinant.
Factor of risk, causes of disease, mode of transmission, elements that determine occurrence
-why, how -> analytic epidemiology
What are the core functions of epidemiology?
- public health surveillance
- field investigation
- analytic studies
- evaluation
- linkages
- policy development
What is the purpose of public health surveillance?
Portray ongoing patterns of disease occurrence.
What is the purpose of field investigation?
To determine sources, risk factors, and modes of transmission of disease in addition to the natural history and clinical presentation
What is the purpose of analytic studies?
Advancement of information obtained through descriptive epidemiology.
What is the purpose of evaluation?
Determine the effectiveness and efficiency of activities.
What is the purpose of linkages?
Collaborate and communicate with other public health and healthcare professionals.
What is the purpose of policy development?
Provide recommendations regarding disease control and prevention
What is the epidemiological approach?
Assessing disease by…
- (C)ounting cases in terms of person, place, and time
- (D)ividing to create rates, ratios, and proportions
- (C)omparing changes in disease and changes/differences between/within populations
CDC
