Foundations of Epidemiology

1. Chapter 1 Foundations of Epidemiology

2. Objectives Define epidemiology Explain the importance of descriptive epidemiology Explain the importance of analytic epidemiology Explain the role of epidemiology in public health practice and individual decision making Define epidemic, endemic, and pandemic Describe common source, propagated, and mixed epidemics Define the concepts and principles of case as used in epidemiology Describe the epidemiology triangle for infectious disease Describe the advanced epidemiology triangle for chronic diseases and behavioral disorders Define the three levels of prevention used in public health and epidemiology Understand basic vocabulary used in epidemiology

3. Define epidemiology Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in human populations, and the application of this study to prevent and control health problems.

4. Define epidemiology The word epidemiology is based on the Greek words epi�prefix meaning on, upon, or befall; demos�root meaning the people; and logos�suffix meaning the study In other words, epidemiology is the study of what befalls the population

5. Key terms in the definition Study - Epidemiology involves sound methods of scientific investigation. Methods rely on careful observation and the use of valid comparison groups to determine whether the observed health events differ from what might be expected

6. Key terms in the definition Distribution Study of frequency and pattern of health events in the population Frequency � number, and number in relation to the population Pattern � the health-related state or event by person, place, and time characteristics

7. Key terms in the definition Determinants Search for causes and other factors of health-related states or events

8. Key terms in the definition Health-related states or events Epidemiology involves study of disease states (e.g., cholera, influenza, pneumonia) Epidemiology also involves events injury, drug abuse, and suicide Epidemiology also involves behaviors and conditions associated with health physical activity, nutrition, seat belt use, and provision and use of health services

9. The importance of descriptive epidemiology Descriptive epidemiology involves characterization of the distribution of health-related states or events by Person - who Place - where Time � when Clinical criteria - what

10. Descriptive epidemiology Allows us to answer who, what, and where questions This knowledge is prerequisite to effective education, screening, prevention, and control programs Provides policy makers with information that can be used for more effectively allocating scarce health resources. Provides individuals with information that can promote better health.Provides policy makers with information that can be used for more effectively allocating scarce health resources. Provides individuals with information that can promote better health.

11. Analytic epidemiology Analytic epidemiology involves identifying and quantifying associations, testing hypotheses, and identifying causes of health-related states or events Explains why and how health-related states or events occur

12. Activities performed in epidemiology Identifying risk factors for disease, injury, and death Describing the natural history of disease Identifying individuals and populations at greatest risk for disease Identifying where the public health problem is greatest Monitoring diseases and other health-related events over time Evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs Providing information useful in health planning and decision making for establishing health programs with appropriate priorities Assisting in carrying out public health programs Being a resource person Communicating public health information Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disorders. Obesity may increase the risk for some types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disorders. Obesity may increase the risk for some types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.

13. Role of epidemiology in public health practice and individual decision making Epidemiological findings contribute to preventing and controlling disease, injury, disability, and death How? By providing information leading to informed public health policy and planning, as well as individual health decision making

14. Epidemiologic information for influencing public health policy and planning and individual decisions Public health surveillance Causes of disease Completing the clinical picture Program evaluation Efficacy Effectiveness

15. Accurate assessment requires a standard case definition A standard set of criteria, or case definition, assures that cases are consistently diagnosed, regardless of where or when they were identified and who diagnosed the case

16. Epidemic, endemic, and pandemic Epidemic � Health-related state or event in a defined population above the expected over a given period of time Endemic � Persistent, usual, expected health-related state or event in a defined population over a given period of time Pandemic � Epidemic affecting a large number of people, many countries, continents, or regions