Epidemiology

• What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?


  An epidemic is localized; a pandemic is widespread.
• What are the lesson objectives of the epidemiology study material?

  1. Define key terms in epidemiology
  2. Explain how epidemiology is used
  3. Investigate health promotion to prevent disease
• Who is known as the 'Father of the field of epidemiology'?

  1. John Snow
• What did Dr. John Snow discover in the mid-1800s?

  The cause of the Cholera outbreak in London.
• What is epidemiology?

  • Study of disease distribution in populations
  • Analysis of patterns and causes of diseases
• What does incidence refer to in epidemiology?

  New cases of disease over a specified time.
• How is incidence measured?

  Rate at which new cases occur.
• What does prevalence indicate in epidemiology?

  Proportion of a population with a disease.
• How is prevalence usually expressed?

  As a percentage, fraction, or number.
• What does morbidity refer to?

  The state of having a disease or condition.
• What is mortality in epidemiology?

  The occurrence of death caused by a disease.
• What does mortality rate measure?

  Frequency of death in a population over time.
• How is epidemiology used in public health?

  • Identify the cause of disease
  • Determine the extent of disease
  • Identify trends and patterns of incidence
  • Study disease progression
  • Plan and evaluate preventative measures
  • Develop public health policy
• What are the methods of health promotion?

  • Communication: Raising awareness through media
  • Policy and systems: Systematic changes to enforce behavior
  • Education programs: Improving knowledge and behavior
  • Targeted campaigns: Specific disease awareness
• What should be included in an epidemiology report?

  1. Identify the cause of disease
  2. Determine the extent of disease
  3. Identify trends and patterns of incidence
  4. Describe disease progression
  5. Examples of preventative measures
  6. Public health policy and health promotion measures
• What is the difference between an endemic, epidemic and pandemic disease?


  Endemic: constantly present in a population or region with relatively low spread

  Epidemic: such an increase in cases, spreading through a large population

  Pandemic: sudden increase in case is across several countries, continents or world