Introduction to Epidemiology (EPI 213)

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main focuses of epidemiology?

  • Studying how to create new diseases
  • Focusing solely on non-communicable diseases
  • Analyzing the economic impact of diseases
  • Understanding how diseases spread (correct)

Epidemiology only studies diseases that affect humans.

False (B)

What are the two main types of diseases studied in epidemiology?

Communicable and non-communicable diseases

Epidemiologists develop interventions such as ______ to prevent diseases.

<p>vaccination</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the epidemiological concepts with their definitions:

<p>Incidence = The number of new cases of a disease in a specific time period Prevalence = The total number of cases of a disease in a population at a given time Descriptive study = A study that describes characteristics of a population Analytical study = A study that seeks to understand the cause of a disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a step in investigating a disease outbreak?

<p>Develop a hypothesis based on initial findings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Demographic factors like age and sex have no impact on disease susceptibility.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are epidemiological indicators used for?

<p>Monitoring disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'epidemiology' literally mean?

<p>Upon the people (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Snow's study of cholera in London was conducted in the 18th century.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major health risk factor was identified by Richard Doll's study?

<p>Smoking</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epidemiology helps to __________ the health of populations.

<p>monitor</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the areas of epidemiology with their corresponding functions:

<p>Public health = Prevent and control diseases Clinical medicine = Assist in diagnosis and treatment Research = Conduct studies on diseases Government = Develop health policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epidemiologists can evaluate the effectiveness of which of the following?

<p>Vaccination programs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epidemiologists only work in hospitals and never in public health agencies.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that epidemiologists can track the spread of diseases?

<p>Collecting data on the number of cases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of __________ in populations.

<p>health-related states or events</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the importance of epidemiology?

<p>Plan public entertainment events (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Epidemiology?

The branch of public health concerned with identifying, measuring, and controlling diseases and health events in populations.

Incidence

The number of new cases of a disease occurring in a population during a specific time period, generally expressed as a rate.

Prevalence

The number of existing cases of a disease in a population at a specific point in time.

Disease Outbreak Investigation

A systematic investigation into the causes and spread of a disease outbreak, including collecting data, analyzing patterns, and identifying prevention strategies.

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Observational Study

A study design that aims to identify potential risk factors or causes of a disease by comparing exposed and unexposed groups.

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Experimental Study (Intervention Study)

A study design that involves manipulating an intervention to measure its effect on a group of participants.

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Disease Transmission

The process by which an infectious agent moves from one individual to another.

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Epidemiological Indicators

Measures that reflect the health status of a population, often used to monitor and track health trends.

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Who is an epidemiologist?

A public health professional who studies the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations.

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Why is epidemiology important?

To identify and address the factors that contribute to the occurrence and spread of diseases within a population.

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What was the key finding of John Snow's cholera study?

A study by John Snow in 1854 that showed cholera was spread through contaminated water. This helped revolutionize our understanding of disease transmission.

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What was the key contribution of Richard Doll's work?

Richard Doll's study showed a strong link between smoking and lung cancer. This study involved thousands of people over many years.

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How can epidemiology identify risk factors for a disease?

Epidemiologists can analyze the distribution of a disease to identify specific factors that increase the risk of developing it. These factors can include lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetic predisposition.

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How can epidemiology evaluate health interventions?

Epidemiologists can evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, such as vaccination programs, new drug treatments, or public health campaigns, to see how well they work in preventing or treating diseases.

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How does epidemiology track the spread of diseases?

By collecting data on disease cases and locations, epidemiologists monitor the spread of diseases. This allows them to identify outbreaks and control the spread.

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How is epidemiology used in planning health programs?

Epidemiologists utilize their knowledge to plan and evaluate public health programs aimed at improving sanitation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing other health challenges.

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How can epidemiology predict future health trends?

Epidemiologists use their expertise in disease patterns to make predictions about future health trends, including the expected number of cases of specific diseases and the impact of new policies.

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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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