Epidemiology: Models, Objectives, and Public Health Uses

Epidemiology: Causation Models and Distribution

Epidemiology, as a modern discipline, affirms that disease occurrence is not randomly distributed. Conditions that can be rated as a "cause" are distinguished from those associated with disease by chance.

It was verified that the processes generated by an intricate web of causation are called the Web of Causation. This network is based on the condition that every factor plays a role, and interactions among causes are so complex that it is impossible to know one unit fully. This complex interaction model is often referred to as the "Black Box" model.

A newer paradigm model is the Historical-Social Model; it aims to explain the uneven distribution of disease among different social classes.

Empirical Objectives of Epidemiology

• Description: Characterizing diseases affecting the population, focusing on frequency across different subgroups.
• Explanation: Identifying the causes or factors affecting the development of disease in the population.
• Forecast (Prediction): Determining what will happen in that population regarding the type and volume of diseases.
• Control: Managing diseases within the population.
• Prevention: Actions taken by society to reduce the volume of diseases.

Uses and Applications of Epidemiology

• Risk Factor Identification

  Analysis of factors that determine a patient's risk and possible interactions between these factors (e.g., conditions of life, the environment, predisposition, and genetics).

• Identification of Disease Markers

  With the advance of technology, epidemiology can analyze gene frequency and/or protein expression in the population that explains the distribution of diseases such as mental, neurological, metabolic, endocrine, etc.

• Identification of General Disease Dynamics

  This refers to the study of diseases according to age, gender, and region. For each type of society, a specific disease profile corresponds, relating to the structure of the population, socioeconomic organization, and healthcare access.

• Identification of Social Health Responsibilities

  This refers to identifying health problems and population planning needs that take place within health systems.