epidemiology

• What is epidemiology?

  The study and analysis of patterns of health and disease
• Why is epidemiology considered the fundamental science of public health?

  It provides essential insights into health patterns and determinants
• What does the term "determinants" refer to in epidemiology?

  Causes and risk factors influencing health-related states
• Who is known for the Broad Street pump investigation?

  John Snow
• What significant contribution did Florence Nightingale make to public health?

  She saved more lives through statistics than nursing care
• How has the COVID pandemic affected public awareness of epidemiology?

  It has made epidemiology a common concept among the general population
• Why is understanding epidemiology crucial for maternal health?

  It helps identify determinants of health for childbearing women and their babies
• What are the key aspects studied in epidemiology related to health outcomes?

  • Incidence
  • Prevalence
  • Distribution of health determinants
  • Disease, injury, and mortality
• What is incidence in epidemiology?

  The rate of new or newly diagnosed cases of a disease
• How is incidence rate typically reported?

  As a fraction of the population at risk of developing the disease
• What does prevalence refer to in epidemiology?

  The total number of new and existing cases of a condition
• What is the difference between period prevalence and point prevalence?

  Period prevalence refers to cases during a time period, while point prevalence refers to cases at a specific date
• What does distribution in epidemiology help us understand?

  The frequency and pattern of disease spread, guiding public health policy
• What are determinants in the context of epidemiology?

  Causes and risk factors influencing disease occurrence
• What types of studies are used in epidemiology?

  Ecological studies, case series, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, cohort studies, and intervention studies
• What is a spurious correlation?

  A correlation that indicates association rather than causation
• What is the relevance of population-level data in midwifery?

  It helps understand birth rates, smoking, stillbirth, and health disparities
• What are some key factors associated with maternal health outcomes?

  BMI and maternal age
• What types of disparities in health outcomes are studied in epidemiology?

  Disparities related to areas of deprivation and ethnicity
• What is the purpose of evaluating health services in epidemiology?

  To assess the uptake of vaccines and gestation at booking
• Where can maternity data for the UK be obtained?

  • Trust dashboards/reports
  • Government websites (e.g., NHS maternity statistics)
  • Charity sites (e.g., Tommy's)
  • Academic sites (e.g., MBRRACE)
  • Research literature (e.g., Google Scholar)
• What is the link to the 2024 Maternal Mortality Report?

  https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/assets/downloads/mbrrace-uk/reports/maternal-report-2024/MBRRACE-UK_Maternal_Report_2024%20_Lay_Summary_V1.0.pdf

  
• What are the main sources of maternity data in the UK?

  • Local data from Trust dashboards
  • Government statistics (HES, MSDS)
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Charity and academic sites