Intro to Epidemiology
Exam 2 Questions &
Answers 2026/2027
Comprehensive Updated
Edition (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 70 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 70 comprehensive epidemiology exam questions, each with its
correct answer and detailed rationales, including diagrams. It offers a thorough review of
key epidemiology concepts, making it an excellent resource for students preparing for
exams, reviewing course material, or seeking certification. The questions and explanations
directly align with the subject matter, ensuring a robust study experience.
TOPICS
Surveillance Systems Q1–Q15
Screening Programs Q16–Q22
Study Design & Analytical Epidemiology Q23–Q39
Error & Bias in Research Q40–Q45
Measures of Association & Causation Q46–Q62
Impact & Intervention Measures Q63–Q70
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 70
Surveillance
ANSWER
The systematic and ongoing collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health-
related data.
Gathering information on a health issue as it exists in the community
Two Types: Active and Passive
Why is it done?
- Identify health status of public
-Define public health priorities and actions
-Provide evidence to move towards disease prevention and control
-Provide evidence to evaluate prevention activities
What does it do?
-Estimates magnitude of problem
-Determine geographic distribution of illness
-Portray the natural history of disease
-Detect epidemics
-Generate hypotheses, stimulate research
-Evaluate control measures
-Monitor changes in infectious agents
-Detect changes in health practices
-Facilitate planning
Page 2
, Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 70
Questions to ask to determine if you should surveil
ANSWER
-What level of resources are needed and available to carry out disease monitoring?
-What outcomes from the surveillance are desired?
-Can the counting methods used in surveillance be readily accepted into the community?
RATIONALE
Effective disease surveillance requires careful consideration of feasibility and utility. Evaluating
available resources ensures the monitoring program can be sustained, while defining desired
outcomes clarifies the purpose and potential impact of surveillance efforts. Community
acceptance of data collection methods is also vital for accurate and reliable information gathering.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 70
Successful Surveillance Systems
ANSWER
-Simple (practical and clear case definition)
-Stable (ongoing in operation)
-Acceptable (to data providers)
-Standardized, uniform collection of data
-Timely (in reporting events)
-Representative (of the population)
-Sensitive (to changes over time)
-Flexible (to changing surveillance needs)
-Accuracy vs Timeliness Chart
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Effective public health surveillance relies on several key attributes to function optimally. These
include simplicity in design and operation, stability over time, acceptability to stakeholders,
standardized data collection, and timely reporting to enable prompt action. Additionally, the
system must be representative of the target population, sensitive to detect trends, and flexible
enough to adapt to evolving public health challenges.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 70
Active Surveillance
ANSWER
-outreach TO community BY health agency officials
-one place reaching out to everyone
-regular monitoring of surveillance sites by health agency officials
-gather data themselves, may involve visits to clinical sites
-the information collected MOST OFTEN involves a new case of disease or the health issue of
concern
-good for identifying incidence of a chronic disease
-quality of data is higher in active approach than passive
-more expensive than passive
Page 4