Public Health

Question 1

What is epidemiology?

Answer 1

The study and analysis of distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.

Question 2

Why is epidemiology useful?

Answer 2

1) Allows the promotion of health and prevention of disease to overall improve the health status of a population
2) Allows understanding of health of certain communities

Question 3

What is public health?

Answer 3

The art and science of preventing disease, promoting health and prolonging life through organised efforts of society.

Question 4

Describe how observation can lead to understanding of outbreaks

Answer 4

Observing and understanding issues can allow development of solutions or preventative measures.

Question 5

What are some public health issues?

Answer 5

• Immunisation and herd immunity
• Outbreaks
• Substance abuse
• Conflict and war

Question 6

What is mortality?

Answer 6

The number of deaths/number of individuals in the population at risk x1000

Question 7

What is incidence?

Answer 7

Number of NEW cases of a disease occurring in a population during a specific period of time/number of people exposed to risk of developing the disease during that period of time (per 1000)

Question 8

What is prevalance?

Answer 8

Number of cases of a disease present in a population at a specific point in time/number of people at risk of having that disease at that point in time (per 1000)

Question 9

What is a risk factor?

Answer 9

An attribute or exposure that is associated with an increased probability of a specified outcome

Question 10

What are some key behavioural risk factors?

Answer 10

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity

Question 11

What is health inequality?

Answer 11

Differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups.