Epidemiologic Strategy

Epidemiologic Strategy A. Purpose of Epidemiology 1. Epidemiology describes: a. Frequency b. Distribution c. Pattern d. Trends of disease incidence (pathological processes) and health problems (functional degree) 2. Explaining the incidence of disease or health problems through identification of "causes" or determinants of disease 3. Predict the number and distribution of disease incidence or health problems in a given population 4. Control the incidence of disease or health problems by, for example, improving the health status of the population, preventing the emergence of new cases, curing existing cases, prolonging life. B. Uses of Epidemiology 1. Epidemiologic information has an important role in achieving public health goals that aim to promote physical, mental and social well-being in the population. 2. Epidemiology contributes to the prevention and control of disease, injury, disability and mortality by providing information that can point to health policy making and planning for individual and population health policy making. 3. Describes the health status of the population 4. Studying the natural history of a disease or health problem 5. Study the causes or risk factors of a disease or health problem 6. Evaluate the impact of a treatment either in the form of a clinical trial or a field trial or an intervention program. 7. Develop a disease control and eradication system C. Epidemiologic Strategy Epidemiologic strategy is a pattern of approach in the form of a series of activities to study health problems so that clarity about the health problem is obtained. 1. Epidemiologic Strategy is Based on 2 Assumptions: a. Occurrence due to a predisposition or peculiarity b. Systemic and careful tracking of different population groups can be about causal and preventive factors 2. Three main steps: a. Description of the distribution of health events or problems b. Development of theoretical models and formulation of hypotheses c. Hypothesis testing and analysis through experimentation and observation 3. Main Activities of Epidemiologic Strategy a. Formulate Hypothesis A hypothesis is a conceptual formulation that contains a description of the factors that are thought to play a role in causing a health problem or frequency. b. Testing the hypothesis c. Draw conclusions D. Description of Event Distribution The frequency of occurrence by characteristics is: 1. People 2. Place 3. Time so that a certain pattern is obtained that can be used as a basis to start making or formulating hypotheses. E. Types of Epidemiology 1. Descriptive Epidemiology Descriptive Epidemiology studies the frequency and distribution of a health problem in society (who, where, when). 2. Analytical Epidemiology Analytical Epidemiology is an epidemiological effort to analyze the factors (determinants) of health problems. 3. Experimental Epidemiology Experimental Epidemiology is an epidemiological effort to test the truth factors about disease with experiments or experiments. F. The Role of Epidemiology in Health 1. Identify factors that contribute to disease or health problems in the community. 2. Provide data needed for health planning and decision making 3. Help evaluate health programs that are being or have been implemented. 4. Develop methodologies to analyze the state of a disease in an effort to overcome or overcome it 5. Direct the interventions needed to overcome the problems that need to be solved.