épídemíólogía

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. Essentially, it is the science of public health. Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in human populations. They examine the distribution of diseases, which includes who is affected, where they are located, and when the disease occurs. They also investigate the determinants of diseases, which are the causes and risk factors that influence the occurrence of a disease or health condition.

The methods used in epidemiology include observational studies, such as cohort and case-control studies, and experimental studies, such as randomized controlled trials. These studies help in identifying potential causes, understanding disease transmission, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Epidemiological findings are crucial for developing public health policies, designing health programs, and implementing disease prevention and control strategies. This field plays a vital role in understanding disease outbreaks, monitoring chronic diseases, and promoting overall population health and well-being.