Epidemiology is the
study of the distribution of diseases and other health-related conditions in populations
, and the application of this study to control health problems.
What is epidemiological research study?
Epidemiology is the
study of health in populations to understand the causes and patterns of health and illness
. The Epidemiology Program, a research division of VA’s Office of Patient Care Services, conducts epidemiology research studies and surveillance (the collection and analysis of data) on the health of Veterans.
What are the 3 major types of epidemiologic studies?
Three major types of epidemiologic studies are
cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies
(study designs are discussed in more detail in IOM, 2000). A cohort, or longitudinal, study follows a defined group over time.
Are epidemiological studies qualitative or quantitative?
Traditional epidemiological studies include
quantitative and qualitative study designs
. Quantitative study designs include observational and interventional methodology. Observational methods describe associations that are already present at population (descriptive) or individual (analytical) level.
What subject does epidemiology fall under?
Epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations (patient is community, individuals viewed collectively), and the application of (since …
What are the 5 main objectives of epidemiology?
In the mid-1980s, five major tasks of epidemiology in public health practice were identified:
public health surveillance, field investigation, analytic studies, evaluation, and linkages
.
Which is the most powerful epidemiological study?
Randomized, controlled clinical trials
are the most powerful designs possible in medical research, but they are often expensive and time-consuming.
What are the two major types of epidemiological studies?
Epidemiologic studies fall into two categories:
experimental and observational
.
What is the strongest study design?
A well
-designed randomized controlled trial
, where feasible, is generally the strongest study design for evaluating an intervention’s effectiveness.
What is the best study design?
| Clinical question Suggested best study design | Clinical Exam prospective, blind comparison to gold standard | Diagnosis prospective, blind comparison to a gold standard | Therapy RCT > cohort > case control > case series | Prevention RCT > cohort study > case control > case series |
|---|
What are the 4 methods of epidemiology?
Epidemiological investigations can be grouped into four broad categories:
Observational epidemiology, experimental epidemiology, natural experiments, and Theoretical epidemiology
. Several types study designs and measures of relationship are used in these investigations.
How is qualitative data collected?
There are a variety of methods of data collection in qualitative research, including
observations, textual or visual analysis
(eg from books or videos) and interviews (individual or group). However, the most common methods used, particularly in healthcare research, are interviews and focus groups.
What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative results?
Generally speaking, quantitative analysis involves looking at the hard data, the actual numbers. Qualitative analysis is
less tangible
. It concerns subjective characteristics and opinions – things that cannot be expressed as a number.
Do epidemiologists see patients?
Generally speaking,
epidemiologists do not perform physical examinations on patients
, determine diagnoses, or prescribe certain medications. Their energies are largely devoted to the “backstage” area of medicine, in terms of discovering the root cause of pathogens or why medicines work as they do.
Is epidemiology a good career?
Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina School of Public Health, says epidemiology is
a great field for an adult learner
to enter after pursuing another career. Nolan – who has a master’s in public health with a concentration in epidemiology and global health and a Ph.
Do epidemiologists go to medical school?
Education for Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. … Some epidemiologists have both a
degree in epidemiology and a medical degree
. These scientists often work in clinical capacities.
