Hadm 379 - Introduction To Epidemiology Complete Study & Exam Notes

HADM 379 - INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY COMPLETE STUDY & EXAM NOTES Unit 1: Introduction to Epidemiology Epidemiology: the study of the distribution and determinants of health- related states or events in specified populations and applying it to the prevention and control of health problems Is a fundamental science of public health: determination of the etiology (cause and risk factors) and burden of disease? Improves population health by providing recommendations for implementing change to health policy and evaluating existing health measures. Note: there is often a significant delay between identifying epidemiologic evidence and applying it to health policy Is essential to identifying and mapping emerging diseases Aims to reduce health disparities by promoting equity and accessibility Term Explanation Study Includes surveillance, observation, hypothesis testing, analytic research and experiments Distribution Analysis of times, persons, places, and classes of persons affected Determinants Factors which influence health: biological, chemical, physical, social, cultural, environmental, economic, genomic and behavioral Health-related states and events Refers to diseases, causes of death, lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, positive health states, reactions to preventative regimes, provision and use of health services. Specified Populations Persons with identifiable characteristics, such as occupational groups Application to Prevention and Control Aims of public health: