The Basic of Epidemiology

Definition of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the
patterns, causes, and effects of
health and disease conditions in
defined populations. It is the
cornerstone of public health, and
informs policy decisions and
evidence-based medicine by
identifying risk factors for disease and
targets for preventive medicine

 Etymology
Epidemiology, meaning "the study of
what is upon the people", is derived
from Greek epi, meaning "upon,
among", demos, meaning "people,
district", and logos, meaning "study,
word, discourse", suggesting that it
applies only to human populations.

 3 important components in
epidemiology, as follows:
1) frequency of health problems
2) the spread of health problems
3) factors that influence the occurrence
of health problems.

 The role of epidemiology

a. Identify the factors that play a role in the
occurrence of disease or health problems
in the community.
b. Provide the data needed for planning
health and taking decisions.
c. Help conduct evaluation of health
programs which is being or has been done.
d. Develop a methodology for analyzing the
state of a disease in an effort to cope with
or overcome.
e. Direct interventions necessary for tackling
the problems that need to be solved.

Epidemiological studies can be divided into two

groups as follows:
1. descriptive Epidemiology, namely Cross
Sectional Study
2. analytical Epidemiology, consists of:
a. Non-experimental:
1) Cohort study
Cohort is defined as a group of people. The purpose
of the study is looking for a result
2) control case study
The goal looking for disease-causing factors.
3) ecology study.
This study uses the source ecology as a basis for
the investigation of risk factors of empirically or
characteristics which are in a constant state of
society.

b. experimental.
Experimental studies are divided into 2
(two) are:
1)Clinical Trial.
Example: dispensing of hypertension in
people with high blood pressure to
prevent the occurrence of stroke.
2) Community Trial.
Example: a study grant of floride
substances in drinking water.