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 the control of health problems. It is a science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases and other factors related to health. It is the cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. Epidemiologists help with research, policy making, and program evaluation, they often use statistical methods to assess the effectiveness of preventive care, detect markers or risk factors, or to study the causes of diseases and other health conditions. Epidemiological research can also be used to inform public health policy decisions, such as where to allocate resources, and to assess the impact of disease trends.