Lec11 Epidemiology

Question 1

Definition of Epidemiology

Answer 1

“Epidemiology is the study of the
distribution and determinants of health-
related states or events in a specified
population and the application of this
study to control of health problems.”

Question 2

Application of epidemiology

Answer 2

Control of health problems

Question 3

Uses of epidemiologic research methods

Answer 3

1. Measure the disease frequency and the pattern of
   disease occurrence
2. Identification of disease determinants
3. Evaluate the validity of diagnostic screening tests
4. Determining the natural history of the disease and
   clinical course
5. Determining the prognostic factors
6. Testing new treatments

Question 4

Epidemiological studies can be
classified into:

Answer 4

Descriptive studies
Analytic studies

Question 5

Descriptive studies can be classified into

Answer 5

1. Studies conducted on population (Correlation
   studies)
2. Studies conducted on individuals:
   a- Case report
   b- Case series
   c- Cross-sectional surveys (Prevalence)

Question 6

Analytic studies: can be classified into:

Answer 6

Analytic studies: can be classified into:
1. Observational analytic studies:
A-Cross sectional
B-Case control studies
C-Cohort studies
2. Interventional studies (Clinical trials)

Question 7

Descriptive studies advantage

Answer 7

They use already available data
 They are less expensive and less time consuming
 They describe the pattern of disease occurrence
 They formulate a research hypothesis

Question 8

Descriptive studies essential for

Answer 8

Public health administrators:
To determine which population or subgroup of the
population is most or least affected.
 To decide on the efficient allocation of resources and
preventive programs.
2. Epidemiologist:
To identify risk factors