University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

139

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Descriptive Epidemiology ✓ In descriptive epidemiology, we examine person, place, and time (PPT) as the main characteristics of disease. Due to this, we can generate a hypothesis regarding the “4W” of the disease, i.e. who has the disease, where is the disease found, in what groups is the disease found and when (e.g., age, developmental stage) is the disease found? ✓ We can also answer how many people the disease affects via descriptive epidemiology. ✓ This type of study does not require comparison groups (i.e., control groups). ✓ Rather, we can obtain information and answer the of the disease using surveys, case reports, ecological and cross-sectional studies which are examples of descriptive epidemiology. ✓ In terms of Person, we will be examining the following factors to see if there are any pattern(s) related to the disease. - Age, gender, ethnic group - Genetic predisposition - Concurrent disease - Diet, physical activity, lifestyle - Risk taking behaviour - SES, education, occupation In terms of Place, we will be examining things like: - Presence of agents or vectors Climate Geology Population density Economic developments Nutritional practices Medical practices Time, epidemiologists will have a look at: - Calendar time - Time since an event Physiologic cycles Age (time since birth) Seasonality Temporal trends