Principles of Epidemiology

Question 1

define epidemiology

Answer 1

the study of the distribution & determinants of health-related events in specific populations
the application of this study is to prevent or control health problems

Question 2

distribution

Answer 2

the frequency and pattern of health-related characteristics and events in a population

Question 3

what questions should be asked related to “distribution”

Answer 3

WHAT is the problem?
WHO does it primarily affect
WHEN does it usually occur?
WHERE does it occur?

Question 4

define determinants

Answer 4

active searches for causes and other factors that influence the occurrence of health related events
answers the HOW & WHY

Question 5

define populations

Answer 5

the total number of inhabitants of a geographic area or the number of persons in a particular group

Question 6

Epidemiological Triad

Answer 6

“epi triad”
shows that disease results from the interaction between the agent and the host in an environment that supports transmission of the agent from a source to that host

Question 7

define agent

Answer 7

an infectious pathogen whose presence or excessive presence is essential for the occurrence of a disease

Question 8

define host

Answer 8

a person or other living organism that is susceptible to or harbors an infectious agent under natural conditions

Question 9

define environment

Answer 9

extrinsic factors that affect an agent and the opportunity for exposure

Question 10

define epidemic (outbreak)

Answer 10

OBSERVED is greater than what is EXPECTED

Question 11

define endemic

Answer 11

CONSTANT presence of an agent to health condition within a geographic area or population

Question 12

define pandemic

Answer 12

an epidemic occurring over a widespread area

Question 13

define emerging disease

Answer 13

appears in a population/specific area for the first time

Question 14

define re-emerging disease

Answer 14

present and increasing in a location that was or considered eradicated or controlled

Question 15

what are some factors in disease emergence (global importance)?

Answer 15

societal events
tourism/migration
food supply
environment
human behavior

Question 16

what are some factors in disease emergence (DoD importance)?

Answer 16

deployments
proximity
CBRNE threat

Question 17

what is the bottom line for emerging disease?

Answer 17

emerging infectious diseases are a significant threat to global and national security

Question 18

what are the three key prevention strategies of the DoD?

Answer 18

DoD Global Emerging Infectious Surveillance and Response System (DoD-GEIS)
Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE)
DoD Immunization Program

Question 19

DoD-GEIS

Answer 19

surveillance response

Question 20

ESSENCE

Answer 20

early detection

Question 21

DoD Immunization Program

Answer 21

vaccines

Question 22

define descriptive epidemiology

Answer 22

the organization of data for analysis according to epidemiological variables

Question 23

what are the most useful variables?

Answer 23

person, place, and time

Question 24

list host factors

Answer 24

age
gender
race/ethnic origin
behaviors
Socioeconomic status

Question 25

what is the most useful host factor?

Answer 25

age

Question 26

what does organizing & analyzing data by PLACE do

Answer 26

gain insight into the geographical extent of the problem

Question 27

what does organizing & analyzing data by TIME do

Answer 27

tracks disease rates that change over a period of time

Question 28

what are characteristics of an epidemiological investigations

Answer 28

action oriented main goal being to solve a pressing public health problem

Question 29

what is the primary reason for an epidemiological investigation

Answer 29

to control the outbreak at hand and prevent future outbreaks

Question 30

what are preliminary questions to ask during an investigation?

Answer 30

WHO is sick? WHAT are their symptoms? WHEN did they become sick? WHERE could they have been exposed to the infectious agent?

Question 31

what are the 13 epidemiological investigation steps?

Answer 31

STEP 1: Prepare for Field Work STEP 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak STEP 3: Verify the Diagnosis STEP 4: Construct a Working Case Definition STEP 5: Find Cases Systematically STEP 6: Perform Descriptive Epidemiology STEP 7: Develop Hypothesis STEP 8: Evaluate Hypothesis through Analytic Epidemiology STEP 9: Reconsider, Refine, and Re-Evaluate Hypothesis STEP 10: Compare and Reconcile with Laboratory and/or Environmental Studies STEP 11: Implement Control and Preventative Measures STEP 12: Maintain Surveillance STEP 13: Communicate Findings

Question 32

describe step 1 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 32

research the disease assemble team gather medical supplies/equipment

Question 33

describe step 2 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 33

does the observed number of cases exceed the expected number (O>E)

Question 34

describe step 3 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 34

ensure problem is properly diagnosed

Question 35

describe step 4 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 35

Case- an individual that is identified having a particular disease, injury, or other health conditions Primary case- person responsible for transmitting the infectious agent to others Secondary case- person who subsequently contracts the infection *how a person should be classified as having the disease*

Question 36

describe step 5 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 36

look for additional cases

Question 37

describe step 6 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 37

characterize an outbreak by person, place, and time

Question 38

describe step 7 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 38

explain HOW and WHY the outbreak most likely occurred

Question 39

describe step 8 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 39

evaluate the credibility of the hypothesis

Question 40

analytic epidemiology

Answer 40

used when the cause is less clear

Question 41

cohort studies

Answer 41

compares groups of people who have been exposed/who have not been exposed

Question 42

case-control studies

Answer 42

compare people with a disease/without the disease

Question 43

describe step 13 of the epidemiological investigation

Answer 43

oral briefing written briefing