Introduction to Epidemiology Flashcards
Meaning of epidemiology
Study of patterns of disease and the various factors that affect the spread of disease
Meaning of prevalence
Total number of people with a disease compared to entire population
Meaning of incidence
Number of NEW cases of that disease compared to population
How is prevalence calculated
Number of affected animals at the time/total population
Incidence x duration
How do you calculate incidence
Number of new cases/population at risk (everyone except those that have disease)
Meaning of mortality
Chance of cure/death
What does prevalence depend on
Rate at which new cases of disease develop as well as duration/length of time they have disease
Meaning of sporadic
Disease that occurs infrequently and irregularly, in low numbers
Meaning of endemic + example
Constant presence
Usual prevalence of a disease in population within an area e.g. malaria in Africa
Meaning of hyperendemic
Persistent, high level of disease occurrence
Meaning of epidemic
Often increase suddenly, disease above normal expectation in that population in area
Meaning of pandemic
Epidemic that has spread over several countries/continents
Why is epidemiology important
Identify source and cause of disease
Control the spread
Predict increases in incidence
Monitor and assess control programs
Meaning of morbidity
Presence/absence of disease
