Epidemiology Flashcards
Increase in the frequency of occurrence of a disease in a population above its baseline, or expected level, in a given time period
Epidemic
Epidemics can be classified according to their manner of spread through a population
Common-source, propagated, mixed
A group of persons is all exposed to an infectious agent or a toxin from the same source
Common-source
Results from transmission from one person to another
Propagated epidemics
Have features of both common-source epidemics and propagated epidemics
Mixed
Study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and application of this study to the control of health problems
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is
data-driven
Epidemiology draws on
methods from other scientific fields
Epidemiology relies on
a systematic and unbiased approach
Epidemiology is often described as
the basic science of public health
Epidemiology relies on
careful observation and use of valid comparison groups
Epidemiology involves
applying the knowledge gained by the studies to community-based practice
Types of diseases
Infectious diseases, deficiency diseases, hereditary diseases, physiological diseases
Caused by living organisms like viruses and bacteria
Infectious diseases
Examples of infectious diseases
- SARS
- Influenza
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Dengue
- Hepatitis A
Commonly spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Commonly spread by inhaling respiratory droplets containing the flu virus
Influenza
Commonly spread by contact with an infected
person’s nasal or throat discharges or stools
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Commonly spread by bites from an infected mosquito
Dengue
Commonly spread by consuming contaminated food, such as raw or partially cooked shellfish
Hepatitis A
Caused by the lack of essential nutrients or dietary elements such as vitamins and minerals in the human body
Deficiency diseases
Types of deficiency diseases
Vitamin deficiency diseases, mineral deficiency diseases
Vitamin A (retinol) deficiency
Night blindness
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
Beri-beri
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency
Retarded growth, bad skin
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency
Anemia
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency
Scurvy
Vitamin D (calciferol) deficiency
Rickets
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) deficiency
Excessive bleeding due to injury
Calcium deficiency
Brittle bones, excessive bleeding
Phosphorous deficiency
Bad teeth and bones
Iron deficiency
Anemia
Iodine deficiency
Goitre, enlarged thyroid gland
Copper deficiency
Low appetite, retarded growth
Described as something that “runs in
the family”
Hereditary diseases
Caused by genetic mutations
Hereditary diseases
Caused by mutations in
one of the genes that encode the
hemoglobin protein
Sickle cell disease
Caused by a gene mutation that affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices
Cystic fibrosis (CF)
A fatal genetic disorder that results in
progressive destruction of the nervous
system
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD)
Most common among males, that is characterized by a deficiency in blood clotting leading to abnormal bleeding
Hemophilia
Symptoms usually begin in midlife and include uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances, and, eventually, dementia
Huntington’s disease
Abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle
Muscular dystrophy
A condition in which the organs in the body malfunction causes illness
Physiological diseases
Inability to produce sufficient insulin, or inability to use insulin properly
Diabetes
Abnormal cells multiply in an uncontrolled way and cause tumors
Cancer
High blood pressure
Hypertension
A whole range of conditions including defects in heart muscles or valves and problems with heart rhythm
Heart disease
Occurs through skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sexual intercourse
Direct contact
Refers to the transfer of an infectious agent from a reservoir to a host by suspended air particles, inanimate objects (vehicles), or animate intermediaries (vectors)
Indirect transmission
Refers to spray with relatively large, short-range aerosols produced by sneezing, coughing, or even talking
Droplet spread
Refers to infections caused by animals and insects
Vector
How to prevent infectious diseases?
- Immunize against infectious diseases
- Wash and dry your hand regularly
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Cleaning regularly
- Prepare food safely
- Practice safe sex
The process of giving a vaccine to a person to protect them against disease
Immunization
Why a balanced diet is crucial in preventing deficiency diseases?
For a person’s overall health, a balanced diet is highly crucial. This concentrates on supplying all the nutrients the body needs. In addition to micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, it includes macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Any dietary imbalance may lead to excess or inadequate intake of certain nutrients. A deficiency disease can result from inadequate intake of a specific nutrient.
