Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health

Question 1

what is the definition of epidemiology

Answer 1

study of distribution and determinants of disease and injuries in human populations

Question 2

what falls within classical epidemiology

Answer 2

descriptive studies - who gets it? (time, place, person)
hypothesis testing (analytical) - (case-control, prospective)

Question 3

what is clinical epidemiology

Answer 3

interventional studies (clinical trials)

Question 4

what are the uses of epidemiology

Answer 4

etiology and categorization of disease - diagnostic codes
effectiveness of screening and prevention - breast mamography vs lung CA screening
effectiveness of therapies
regional and National health care planning - setting of funding priorities at NIH
Health risk appraisals (HRAs) - database
policy decisions - smoking restrictions

Question 5

What is the epidemiological triad

Answer 5

host
agent
environment
vector

Question 6

what are different enironments

Answer 6

physical: mountains, rivers, oceans
Biological: weather
Social: cultural, crowded living, economics