Principles of Epidemiology and the Epidemiological Methods

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Q.Define epidemiology.
Q.Explain the aims and objectives of epidemiology.
Q.Describe the principles of epidemiology.
Q.Explain the scope and uses of epidemiology.

Answer: 

Definition of Epidemiology

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.

Aims and Objectives of Epidemiology

  • Aims:

    • To identify the cause of a disease and the risk factors involved.
    • To determine the extent of disease found in the community.
    • To study the natural history and prognosis of disease.
    • To evaluate new preventive and therapeutic measures.
    • To provide a foundation for public health policy and planning.

  • Objectives:

    • To describe the occurrence of disease by person, place, and time.
    • To identify the etiology or cause of disease.
    • To study the natural history and prognosis of disease.
    • To evaluate the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic measures.
    • To provide data for public health planning and decision making.

Principles of Epidemiology

  • Distribution: Study of frequency and pattern of health events in a population.
  • Determinants: Identification of causes and risk factors influencing health events.
  • Population: Focus on groups rather than individuals.
  • Health-related states: Includes diseases, health conditions, behaviors, and events.
  • Application: Use of epidemiological knowledge to control health problems.

Scope and Uses of Epidemiology

  • Scope:

    • Study of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
    • Investigation of outbreaks and epidemics.
    • Evaluation of health services and interventions.
    • Study of environmental and occupational health.
    • Research on chronic diseases and lifestyle factors.

  • Uses:

    • Identifying risk factors for disease.
    • Planning and evaluating health services.
    • Formulating public health policies.
    • Monitoring the health status of populations.
    • Guiding clinical practice and preventive medicine.



 Important Previous Year Questions


1. Define epidemiology.

2. Explain the aims and objectives of epidemiology.

3. Describe the principles of epidemiology.

4. Explain the scope and uses of epidemiology.

5. Define epidemiological methods.

6. Describe descriptive epidemiology.

7. Explain analytical epidemiology.

8. Describe experimental epidemiology.

9. Explain the epidemiological triad.

10. Describe the agent, host and environment model.

11. Explain the natural history of disease.

12. Describe the levels of prevention in epidemiology.

13. Explain primary prevention with examples.

14. Describe secondary prevention with examples.

15. Explain tertiary prevention with examples.

16. Define incidence rate and prevalence rate.

17. Differentiate between incidence and prevalence.

18. Explain mortality rate and morbidity rate.

19. Describe sources of epidemiological data.

20. Explain surveillance in epidemiology.

21. Describe communicable disease control measures.

22. Explain the chain of infection.

23. Describe modes of transmission of disease.

24. Explain the role of nurse in epidemiology.

25. Describe outbreak investigation.

26. Explain epidemic, endemic and pandemic.

27. Differentiate between sporadic and epidemic diseases.

28. Explain screening and its importance.

29. Describe methods of screening.

30. Explain investigation of community health problems.

31. Describe census and sample survey.

32. Explain the role of statistics in epidemiology.

33. Describe epidemiological approach in disease prevention.

34. Explain risk factors affecting health.

35. Describe common epidemiological indicators.

36. Explain methods of data collection in epidemiology.

37. Describe the importance of epidemiology in community health nursing.

38. Explain communicable disease surveillance system.

39. Describe quarantine and isolation.

40. Write short note on epidemiological cycle.