Epidemiology is considered the basic science of public health because it is the science that describes the relationships of health and disease factors that affect the human population. John Snow used epidemiology in 1854 to determine the source of a cholera outbreak in London.
1. Define incidence and prevalence.
2. Compare and contrast incidence and prevalence. How is the data collected?
3. Select one of the epidemiological studies described in the book. Describe it. How is a case determined? Identify if it is an analytical or a descriptive study. Describe a type of study where it would be appropriate to use this same method of study.