WHY STUDY EPIDEMIOLOGY?Dr. Imran ShaikhRevised 4/12/06

What is Epidemiology? It is the study of how disease is distributed in the populations and the factors that influence or determine its distributionORIts the study of distribution and determinants of health related events in specified populations and the application of this study to control these problems

Objectivity of epidemiologyTo identify the etiology and risk factorsTo determine the extent of disease in the populationTo study the natural history and prognosis of diseaseTo evaluate existing and new preventive and therapeutic measures and modes of health care deliveryTo provide public policies and regulatory decisions

Epidemiology and preventionIdentification of high risk groupsIdentification specific factors or characteristics that that put populations to risk

How can we approach populations for prevention of disease?Population based approachHigh risk approachIndividual approach

Epidemiology and clinical practiceCritical to clinical practiceSelection of appropriate therapy

How does epidemiologist approach to identify a disease?Person Place Time

Agent Host Environment Epidemiological Triangle

Environment Social PhysicalBiologicalHumans Wheel TheoryManGenetic Core