Introduction to the module

Question 1

What is Epidemiology?

Answer 1

The study of how often diseases occur in different populations and why

Data-driven and relies on a systematic and unbiased approach to the collection, analysis and interpretation of data

Question 2

What do basic epidemiological methods tend to rely on?

Answer 2

Careful observation and use of valid comparison groups to assess whether what was observed, e.g. the number of cases of disease in a particular area during a particular time period or the frequency of an exposure among persons with disease, differs from what might be expected.

Question 3

What is epidemiology often described as?

Answer 3

Basic science of public health

Quantitative discipline that relies on a working knowledge of probability, statistics and sound research methods

Method of causal reasoning based on developing and testing hypotheses to explain health-related behaviours, states and events.

Question 4

What does epidemiology provide?

Answer 4

The foundation for directing practical and appropriate public health action based on this science and causal reasoning

Epidemiological information used to plan and evaluate strategies to prevent and manage disease