Topic 4 DQ 1
How does epidemiology help in researching and addressing population health
challenges? Provide a specific contemporary example.
According to the World Health Organization, epidemiology is defined as the study
of distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including
disease), as well as the evaluation and monitoring of controlling diseases and other
health problems (Epidemiology, 2014). Various methods can be used to carry out
epidemiological investigations such as surveillance and/or descriptive studies can
be used to study distribution; and analytical studies for determinants.
Epidemiology is essential to public health; its primary goal is to contribute to
fulfilling the very definition of public health in order to promote health and prevent