Lectures 2-3 Flashcards
Epidemiology is _____?
A basic science that studies the “Distribution” and “Determinants” of disease in populations to control disease and illness and promote health
T/F: Epidemiology is a core science of public health.
True
What are the 3 sub-specialties of epidemiology
Disease
Exposure
Population
*Or a combination
What is descriptive epidemiology?
Answering what, why, when, where, who, & how
Explain the characteristics of “distribution of disease” in reference to descriptive epidemiology
Frequency of disease occurrence: Counts and counts in relation to size of population
Patterns of disease occurrence: Encompasses person, place, & time
It uses who, where, & when
Explain the characteristics of “determinants of disease” in reference to descriptive epidemiology
Determine causes of death, factors of susceptibility/exposure/risk, modes of transmission, & social/environmental/biologic elements that determine occurrence/presence of disease
It uses why & how
What are the 6 core functions of epidemiology?
Public Health Surveillance Field Investigation Analytic Studies Evaluation Linkages Policy Development
Describe the purpose of “Public Health Surveillance”
Portray ongoing patterns of disease occurrence so control/prevention/investigation measures can be applied
Describe the purpose of “Field Investigation”
Determine the source(s) of disease or learn more about the natural history, clinical spectrum, 3 W’s, & risk factors of a disease
Describe the purpose of “Analytic Studies”
Advance the information generated by descriptive epidemiology techniques
Describe the purpose of “Evaluation”
Determine the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, & impact of activities with respect to established goalse
Describe the purpose of “Linkages”
Collaborate with other professionals
Describe the purpose of “Policy Development”
Provide input, testimony, & recommendations regarding disease control & prevention strategies
