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Epidemiology is the study of the
distribution and determinants of health-related conditions or
events in defined populations use to control health problems.
Epidemiological measures explain:
- What is the problem?
- Who has the problem?
- Why do those with the problem have it?
- What behavioral, environmental and social factors
are related to the disease and disability?
- What are some ways to prevent or reduce the problem?
Epidemiological Indicators include:
- Mortality (Deaths)
- Death rates: Deaths per 100,000
- Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL)
- Morbidity (Disease or injury)
- Incidence: New cases
- Prevalence: All cases
- Behavioral Risk Factor Data
- Disability (Dysfunction)
- Discomfort and Dissatisfaction (sometimes Quality of
Life indicators are added)
- Fertility (Births)
- Life Expectancy
Important Epidemiological Terms:
- Surveillance: Systems designed to monitor disease and
health status.
- Age-adjusted Rates: Adjusted to account for different
age distributions.
- Specific Rates: age, race, sex- important when your
focus are sub-populations at risk.
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