Epidemiology: meaning, definitions and examples
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epidemiology
[ ˌɛpɪdɪˈmiːəloʊdʒi ]
public health
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations. It involves the analysis of factors that contribute to health and disease conditions, aiming to understand the distribution and determinants of health-related events in specific populations.
Synonyms
disease science, population health, public health science.
Examples of usage
- Epidemiology helps in tracking the progress of an outbreak.
- Public health officials rely on epidemiology to formulate effective interventions.
- Research in epidemiology can identify risk factors for chronic diseases.
Translations
Translations of the word "epidemiology" in other languages:
🇵🇹 epidemiologia
🇮🇳 महामारी विज्ञान
🇩🇪 Epidemiologie
🇮🇩 epidemiologi
🇺🇦 епідеміологія
🇵🇱 epidemiologia
🇯🇵 疫学
🇫🇷 épidémiologie
🇪🇸 epidemiología
🇹🇷 epidemiyoloji
🇰🇷 역학
🇸🇦 علم الأوبئة
🇨🇿 epidemiologie
🇸🇰 epidemiológia
🇨🇳 流行病学
🇸🇮 epidemiologija
🇮🇸 faraldsfræði
🇰🇿 эпидемиология
🇬🇪 ეპიდემიოლოგია
🇦🇿 epidemiologiya
🇲🇽 epidemiología
Etymology
The term 'epidemiology' originates from the combination of several Greek words: 'epi', meaning 'upon' or 'over', 'demos', meaning 'people', and 'logos', meaning 'study' or 'discourse'. It emerged in the 19th century as a distinct field of practice in response to the need to understand and control infectious diseases that were impacting populations, particularly during pandemics. Pioneers such as John Snow and William Farr contributed significantly to its development. Snow's investigation of cholera outbreaks in London highlighted the importance of tracing disease sources, which laid the groundwork for modern epidemiological practices. Over the years, the field has expanded to encompass a variety of health issues, including chronic diseases, environmental health, and social determinants of health, making it a vital component of public health initiatives.