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Questions and Answers
What is one of the main focuses of epidemiology?
What is one of the main focuses of epidemiology?
Epidemiology only studies diseases that affect humans.
Epidemiology only studies diseases that affect humans.
False
What are the two main types of diseases studied in epidemiology?
What are the two main types of diseases studied in epidemiology?
Communicable and non-communicable diseases
Epidemiologists develop interventions such as ______ to prevent diseases.
Epidemiologists develop interventions such as ______ to prevent diseases.
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Match the epidemiological concepts with their definitions:
Match the epidemiological concepts with their definitions:
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Which of the following is a step in investigating a disease outbreak?
Which of the following is a step in investigating a disease outbreak?
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Demographic factors like age and sex have no impact on disease susceptibility.
Demographic factors like age and sex have no impact on disease susceptibility.
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What are epidemiological indicators used for?
What are epidemiological indicators used for?
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What does the term 'epidemiology' literally mean?
What does the term 'epidemiology' literally mean?
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John Snow's study of cholera in London was conducted in the 18th century.
John Snow's study of cholera in London was conducted in the 18th century.
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What major health risk factor was identified by Richard Doll's study?
What major health risk factor was identified by Richard Doll's study?
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Epidemiology helps to __________ the health of populations.
Epidemiology helps to __________ the health of populations.
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Match the areas of epidemiology with their corresponding functions:
Match the areas of epidemiology with their corresponding functions:
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Epidemiologists can evaluate the effectiveness of which of the following?
Epidemiologists can evaluate the effectiveness of which of the following?
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Epidemiologists only work in hospitals and never in public health agencies.
Epidemiologists only work in hospitals and never in public health agencies.
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What is one way that epidemiologists can track the spread of diseases?
What is one way that epidemiologists can track the spread of diseases?
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Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of __________ in populations.
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of __________ in populations.
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for the importance of epidemiology?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the importance of epidemiology?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Epidemiology (EPI 213)
- Epidemiology is the study of disease spread and prevention.
- It investigates how diseases transmit (person-to-person, animal-to-person, or environment-to-person).
- It examines factors influencing disease susceptibility (e.g., age, sex, health status).
- It develops interventions to prevent diseases (e.g., vaccinations, health education, environmental changes).
Course Objectives
- Understand epidemiological principles and concepts.
- Define and apply disease frequency measures (prevalence and incidence).
- Analyze disease outbreak investigations.
- Explain various study designs.
- Describe disease transmission.
- Identify epidemiological indicators for monitoring.
- Master descriptive, analytical, and experimental epidemiological methods for improving healthcare service planning and delivery.
Course Assessment
- Quiz (5th week): 10%
- Mid-term Exam (7th week): 25%
- Presentation/Assignment (9th week): 10%
- Final Exam (As scheduled): 50%
- Participation (Throughout): 5%
What is Epidemiology?
- It studies the distribution and determinants of health-related events and states in populations.
- It literally translates to "upon the people" from its Greek origins.
- It's a crucial tool for public health professionals.
Epidemiologists
- Public health professionals studying health and disease distribution and determinants.
- They develop and evaluate health improvement strategies.
- Work in various settings (public health agencies, hospitals, universities, research institutes).
History of Epidemiology
- Developed in the 19th century, exemplified by John Snow's cholera study in London (1854).
- Snow's work revolutionized disease thinking; it revealed contaminated water as a cholera source.
- Richard Doll's work on smoking and lung cancer (1950s) further demonstrated epidemiological importance.
Importance of Epidemiology
- Identifies disease causes.
- Develops and evaluates public health interventions.
- Monitors population health.
- Plans and allocates healthcare resources.
- Guides public health policy.
Uses of Epidemiology
- Identify risk factors: Studies patterns to link factors (lifestyle, environmental) with disease risk.
- Evaluate interventions: Assesses the effectiveness of interventions (vaccinations, treatments).
- Track disease spread: Collects data on cases to identify outbreaks and control measures.
- Plan/evaluate public health programs: Designs and assesses programs (sanitation improvements, health promotion).
- Predict future health trends: Foresees disease occurrence and effects of policies.
Areas and Fields of Epidemiology
- Public health: Disease prevention and control in agencies.
- Clinical medicine: Helping diagnose and treat illnesses in hospitals/clinics.
- Research: Conducts disease causality research in universities/institutes.
- Government: Develops policies to improve health outcomes.
- Industry: Evaluates drug and device safety and effectiveness.
- Non-profit organizations: Conducts research, implements programs, advocates for health policies.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of Epidemiology, studying disease dynamics and prevention strategies. It covers disease transmission methods, susceptibility factors, and epidemiological indicators used for monitoring health. Mastering these topics is crucial for effective healthcare planning and intervention.
