This document provides an overview of epidemiology, including its basic concepts, principles, scope, and measurement tools. Some key points:
- Epidemiology is the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations, and is used to prevent and control health problems. It describes disease patterns and identifies risk factors.
- Epidemiological principles are applied in various areas like clinical research, disease prevention, and health services evaluation. Measurement tools include rates, ratios, and proportions to quantify disease frequency and burden.
- The scope of epidemiology includes measuring mortality, morbidity, disability, births, risk factors, and assessing health needs in populations. Different study designs are used to investigate disease etiology and evaluate interventions.