Epidemiological Measures

Epidemiology involves evaluating diseases and health issues from birth to death. In this regard, the epidemiological measures range from birth to death. Health sciences aim to eradicate health issues, prevent illness/injuries, prevent death, and ultimately increase the life span. From birth to death, each level in this spectrum can be explained using epidemiological measures. Additionally, cross-sectional studies may be used to provide initial evidence of causality. This chapter will explain cross-sectional studies’ conceptualization, conduct, and interpretation. This chapter will detail (1) basic measures of epidemiology, including birth and mortality data; (2) common methods of data collection used for vital statistics; (3) calculations of basic measures in epidemiology, including prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates; (4) strengths and limitations of crude rates and adjusted rates; (5) morbidity indicators including years of potential life lost. By completing this chapter, students should be able to conduct basic descriptive ecological studies for a particular disease or a community.