HLPR222 Exam 1

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Definition of epidemiology

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Terms in this set (51)

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to control health problems

5 Ws of epidemiology

▪ What = disease or health issue of concern
▪ Who = population
▪ Where = place
▪ When = time
▪ Why/how = causes, risk factors, modes of transmission

The premise underlying epidemiology

1. Human disease is not randomly distributed.
2. Human disease has causal and preventive factors that can be identified through systematic investigation of human populations.

Objectives

1. To identify the etiology (the cause of a disease) and the true risk factors
2. To determine the extent of disease found in the community
3. To study the natural history and prognosis of disease
4. To evaluate new modes of health care delivery and new preventive and therapeutic measures - protective factors
5. To provide the foundation for developing public policy and regulatory decisions relating to environmental and genetic problems

Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century in the U.S.

▪ Vaccination
▪ Motor-vehicle safety
▪ Safer workplaces
▪ Control of infectious diseases
▪ Decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke
▪ Safer and healthier foods
▪ Healthier mothers and babies
▪ Family planning
▪ Fluoridation of drinking water
▪ Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard