Introduction To Epidemiology
Introduction To Epidemiology
Epidemiology
Professor Anthony Adofo Ofosu
Objectives
• At the end of the lecture, the student will be able to :
1. Define Epidemiology and understand the scope of
Epidemiology
2. Know the classification of epidemiology,
3. The purpose and methods used in the different
classification
4. Understand the use of epidemiology,
5. Understand what the Core functions of epidemiology
are.
6. Understand what the epidemiologic approach is
What is
epidemiology?
• It is the study of the distribution
and determinants of disease
frequency in human population. Hennekens 1987
CH et al
The components
• Distribution,
• Determinants
• Frequency
encompass all epidemiologic principles
and methods.
What is Epidemiology?
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions
that increase the likelihood of developing a
disease or health issue.
Causality in Epidemiology
Causality refers to the relationship between a
cause and its effect, crucial for establishing
links between risk factors and health outcomes.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Classification of Epidemiology
Descriptive
Analytic
Epidemiolo
Epidemiolo
gy
gy
Descriptive Epidemiology
• Descriptive Epidemiology is concerned with the
distribution of diseases, including consideration of what
populations or subgroups do or do not develop a
disease, in which geographic locations is it most or least
common, and how the frequency of occurrence varies
over time.
Distribution by Person
Analyzing disease patterns among
different demographic groups helps
identify at-risk populations.
Distribution by Place
Mapping disease occurrence
geographically reveals hotspots and
environmental influences on health.
Distribution by Time
Tracking changes in disease incidence
over time aids in recognizing trends and
outbreaks.
The main goal of descriptive epidemiology is to
identify patterns and trends that can guide public
health strategies and interventions.
Case Studies
Case studies provide in-depth analysis of
individual cases, offering insights into specific
Purpos health conditions or phenomena.
e and Cross-Sectional Studies
Metho Cross-sectional studies analyse data from a
ds population at a single point in time, helping
identify prevalence and associations.
Ecological Studies( Correlational
Studies)
Ecological studies evaluate health data at a
population level, examining relationships
between environmental factors and health
outcomes.
Analytical Epidemiology
2. Field investigation
3. Analytic studies
4. Evaluation
5. Linkages
Agent
The agent is the cause of the disease, which can be
biological, chemical, or physical in nature.
Host
The host is the organism that can be infected
by the agent. This includes humans, animals,
and plants.
Environment
The environment includes all external factors
Epidemiological approach
As with all scientific endeavors, the practice of
epidemiology relies on a systematic approach. In very
simple terms, the epidemiologist:
• Counts cases or health events, and describes them in
terms of time, place, and person;
Interdisciplinary Approaches
Addressing complex health issues requires
interdisciplinary approaches, combining
knowledge from various fields to create
effective solutions.
Technological Advancements
Big Data Analytics
Big data analytics allows researchers to
analyze vast datasets for better insights into
epidemiological trends and patterns.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence enhances predictive
modeling and the identification of disease
outbreaks, improving responses to public
health challenges.