EPIDEMIOLOGY

Abstract

Epidemiology is the cornerstone of public health, providing critical insights into the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. As the scientific method applied to population health, epidemiology helps identify risk factors for diseases, target preventative healthcare, and guide public health interventions. "Epidemiology 101" introduces the foundational concepts of this field, including the basic measures of disease frequency (prevalence, incidence), study designs (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional), and data interpretation (relative risk, odds ratio). This article also explores the role of epidemiology in the control of infectious diseases, chronic disease prevention, and health policy formulation. Through real-world examples, such as the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing efforts to manage non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cancer, this article illustrates the relevance and impact of epidemiology on improving public health. The article further discusses ethical considerations, challenges in data collection, and the future of epidemiology in the context of digital health, big data, and global health threats