Epidemiology - an introduction
Download as PPTX, PDF9 likes1,793 views
Epidemiology is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. It aims to control and prevent health problems by applying this study. Epidemiology examines factors like disease, injury, disability and death among populations with reference to time, place and person. Descriptive epidemiology studies disease distribution to understand trends and magnitudes, while analytical epidemiology studies determinants like age, sex and occupation to test hypotheses. The objectives of epidemiology are to reduce disease incidence and prevalence, and promote societal health and well-being by informing prevention strategies.
Epidemiology - an introduction
- 1. The “Study of the people”
- 2. Epidemiology • Is the basic science of preventive & social med • It began with Adam & eve both tried to investigate the qualities of “forbidden fruit” • Derived from word epidemic epi = among demos= people logos= study
- 3. Epidemiology has been defined as “ means of learning or asking questions.. and getting answers ,that lead to further questions” • Epidemiological information is used to plan strategies to prevent illness
- 4. following question can be asked in Epidemiology What is the event/ problem ? What is the magnitude of problem? When did it happen ? Where did it happen? Who are affected ? Why did it happen?
- 5. John M. Last in 1988 defined- • Epidemiology “The Study of the distribution and determinants of health related state or events in specified populations, And application of this study to control & prevent the health problems” Modern epidemiology deals with “facts of life”
- 6. What is health related events? • Are all the conditions of spectrum of health such as--------- • disease, • injury, • disability and • death among the population.
- 7. What is distribution? • It is pattern of occurrence of disease with reference to- Time . Place. Person
- 8. Study distribution helps- • This helps to study trend of diseases. • Helps to know the magnitude of problem. • Gives clues of etiology, mode of transmission. • Helps to formulate etiological hypothesis. (Descriptive epidemiology)
- 9. What is determinants ? • This is etiological risk factors. like…..age, sex, obesity, occupation… • Study helps to test etiological hypothesis. (this is analytical epidemiology)
- 12. What is frequency? • Means measuring the magnitude /extent of health problems in terms of morbidity and mortality rates,.. that helps for comparison. • Morbidity rates- Incidence & prevalence. • Mortality rates- Rates, Ratio, and proportion.
- 13. Application of epidemiology- • To search causes of diseases. • To determine probability/risk of disease. • To describe health status of population. • To control the diseases. • To plan health programs. • To evaluate health programs.
- 14. Objectives of epidemiology- • To reduce incidence & prevalence of diseases. • It help to eradicate/ eliminate the diseases. • To promote health and well being of society.
- 15. Epidemiological approach- • What is the event? • When & where did the disease occur? • Who are affected? • What is the extent of problem? • What is to be done to reduce the problem? • Why did it occur? • How can it be prevented in future?