Epidemiology Module Analysis

Epidemiology defined: The basic science of public health in which the causing factor, population, frequency, and relevant intervention is found in the case of an outbreak.

Epidemiology is the study of diseases and informs the public about the health epidemics and new standards put in place. They usually work in laboratories, businesses, and offices where they work on discovering many diseases and conducting research while also finding cures to new diseases. In order to become an epidemiologist, I will have undergo through 4 year as an undergraduate and obtain a Masters in Biology or Public Health. In high school, it is recommended for me take Biology, Chemistry or to have some type of science background in order to help me get best prepared. In this paper I will discuss the history of epidemiology, the pathway to get to this career, and why this job/career will be the best fit for me.

3. List and describe how at least two of the seven uses of epidemiology are applicable to the public health topic(s) presented in the story. (2 points)

Epidemiology is study of a distribution and determinants of health related events. The goal of epidemiology is to decrease the spread of a disease, to prevent the disease from spreading amongst a community. For this to be successful the epidemiologist gets knowledge on when and how the disease spread. Also how they will control and treat the patient.

When looking into the meaning of epidemiology often it is found that definitions may vary and are frequently identifiable specifically to the context. According to the World Health Organization, the definition of epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. Various methods can be used to carry out epidemiological investigations: surveillance and descriptive studies can be used to study distribution; analytical studies are used to study determinants (Epidemiology Definition,

Epidemiology, the branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of a disease. Epidemiology is used through out the world, whether that be to protect a country from a lethal disease or educating the people about the common cold, epidemiologist protect the world from disease as a whole. This is highlighted in the most recent outbreak of the Zika Virus in Brazil and the Ebola Sudan outbreak illustrated in the Hot Zone. Even though these disease have there similarities and differences epidemiologists have done that is possible to protect the populous of the world. Though both disease have common ground, both are extremely different from one another based on the symptoms and over effect on the human body.

An Epidemiologist examines patterns and causes of a disease, specifically infectious disease. An infectious disease is caused by the presence of a pathogenic microorganism growing in or on the infected host. The disease can be spread directly or indirectly, from one person to another, which is considered transmissible. Indirect transfer spread is when an

“We are only as blind as we want to be”- Maya Angelou. This quote has constantly resonated with me ever since I first came across it years ago. Growing up in an African family has greatly influenced my perception about epidemiology. Traditional beliefs are very much alive and well in my custom. One of such beliefs is that when people become sick, it is basically because the gods are angry: Usually because of disobedience or simply redirection from higher powers. Growing up, I suffered chronic abdominal pains and my parents constantly choose to take me from one herbalist or witch doctor to the next. I remember bathing in rivers late at night and having hens’ necks cut off to allow the fresh blood to run down on me. Such acts were only regarded as cleansing and a form of appeasing the gods thus bringing forth healing. The use of untested and unorthodox treatments is a recurring issue within my culture and after experiencing and seeing these being practiced in modern times sparked my interest in Healthcare.

Epidemiologists, Lab Technicians, registered nurses, physicians, managerial staff and support staff are all involved in public health. Public health registered nurses help to assess patients, conduct surveys and evaluate possible reasons or sources for an illness. Physicians not only treat the patient, but also provide vital components such as symptoms, timing and continually update public health officials on new related cases. Epidemiologists analyzes, collect, and forms hypotheses based on lab data, then relays reports and discoveries to nurses, physicians and public health officials. Laboratory employees are in charge of handling sample and running several test to determine types of infections, concentration of bacteria, and other lab related

Descriptive epidemiology is based on two important premises which are central in the field. The first premise states that disease does not occur in isolation. Secondly, patterns of disease occurrence are placed under three important categories of person, place and time. This paper seeks to build understanding on the three areas by giving relevant examples where they are applied.

The job of epidemiologist is to analyze trends in health, and implement control measures. This causes them to fill in several roles within a team. Their expertise in control measures allows them to take on the role of specialist in health behavior and promotion. Meanwhile, their analysis of trends allows them to understand exposure science and biostatistics, which will help them to work well with the other team members. Very often epidemiologist also play a role in forming public health policy as subject matter experts. In this case, they will help the expert in exposure science with health education and promotion. Next, they will help determine if there is a reason the causative agent is or is not showing statistical significance. For example, if the causative agent was not significant, the epidemiologist might suggest a co-factor that is skewing the numbers to help the biostatistician to create the most precise numbers, and ensure the correct questions are being

Review health educational program used across the population to stop or prevent Epidemics and Pandemics.

As a public health professional, there are many ways to contribute to the health system The essential role of a public health worker is to promote healthy behavior. This would include preventing epidemics, protecting against environmental hazards, and assuring quality of health services. Some essential services to take part of it monitoring health status to identify the community health problems and inform, educate, and empower people about health issues (CDC, 2014). Most people depend on a public health professional to respond and act upon a disaster.

There are many specialties in this job such as infectious disease, injury, and oral health. Epidemiologist’s collect data, analyze it, commute their findings, and seek ways to improve and prevent such diseases. This job is not available in an area I would want to live in which is a disadvantage as well as some of the tasks I would not enjoy doing. They have similar knowledge as a pharmacist but also needs public safety and security, as well as sociology and anthropology. The skills necessary are speaking to convey information, writing, social perceptiveness, time management, active listening, and learning strategies. The personality that fits best with this career is independence, recognition, organization, detail oriented, thorough, patience, and having a logical mind. The salary range in the U.S. is $67,420 for an epidemiologist. The outlook for this job is 8-14% growth and this career requires a master’s degree in public health as well as a master’s degree in

Disease surveillance systems and health data sources provide the raw information necessary to monitor trends in health and disease. Descriptive epidemiology provides a way of organizing and analyzing these data in order to understand variations in disease frequency in an area over time, and how varies among people based on a host of personal characteristics (person, place, and time). This makes it possible to identify trends in health and disease and also provides a means of planning resources for populations. It is also important for generating possible explanations about the determinants of health and disease.