Introduction to Epidemiology

From the study guide

Course Outline

  1. Epidemiology Principles
  2. Disease Frequency Measures
  3. Study Designs
  4. Outbreak Investigation
  5. Public Health Interventions
  6. Global Health Challenges
  7. Future Epidemiology Trends

1. Epidemiology Principles

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Incidence: The number of new cases of a disease that develop in a specified population during a specific time period. It measures the risk of developing the disease.
    Formula:
    [ \text{Incidence Rate} = \frac{\text{New Cases}}{\text{Population at Risk}} \times 1000 ]

  • Prevalence: The total number of existing cases (new and pre-existing) of a disease in a population at a specific point in time. It reflects disease burden.
    Formula:
    [ \text{Prevalence} = \frac{\text{Total Cases}}{\text{Total Population}} \times 100 ]

  • Risk Factor: An attribute, characteristic, or exposure that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. It can be behavioral, environmental, or genetic.

  • Epidemiological Study Design: A systematic approach to investigate health-related states, including descriptive (e.g., cross-sectional) and analytical (e.g., cohort, case-control, RCT) studies.

  • Measures of Association: Quantitative tools (e.g., Risk Ratio, Odds Ratio) used to assess the strength of the relationship between exposure and disease.

Read the full study guide →

Practice quiz preview

1. What is the term for the number of new cases of a disease that develop in a specific population during a defined time period?

2. Which of the following disease frequency measures is calculated by dividing the total number of deaths in a population during a specific period by the total population, often expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals?

3. What is the primary role or purpose of study designs in epidemiological research?

Take the quiz (10 questions) →

Flashcard preview

Incidence — definition?

New cases in a population over time.

Study designs — purpose?

Investigate health-related states systematically.

Outbreak investigation — steps?

Verify, describe, hypothesize, test, control.

Incidence — definition?

New cases over a time period.

Prevalence — definition?

Existing cases at specific time.

Risk Factor — role?

Increases disease development likelihood.

See all 10 flashcards →

Frequently asked questions

What does the Introduction to Epidemiology study guide cover?

It covers the core concepts of Introduction to Epidemiology, organized by topic with the key definitions, explanations and takeaways, so it's easier to learn and remember.

Read the full study guide →

How many questions are in the Introduction to Epidemiology quiz?

The practice quiz has 10 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation. Use it to check what you know and find your gaps.

Take the quiz (10 questions) →

How do I study Introduction to Epidemiology with flashcards?

There are 10 flashcards on Introduction to Epidemiology, with a question on the front and the answer on the back. Try to recall each answer before you flip, and let spaced repetition bring back the ones you miss.

See all 10 flashcards →

Related classes

Turn your own class notes into a study guide

Upload a PDF or paste your notes. Revizly writes a study guide, a practice quiz and flashcards in about a minute.