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Epidemiology
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Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations. In a more practical sense, epidemiologic studies are concerned with the determination of risk factors for a particular disease: such as cigarette smoking and bladder cancer. After risks are determined, epidemiologists concern themselves with methods to change the behavior of persons to reduce the probability of disease among persons with high risk behaviors. For example, it has been shown that persons who are sedentary are more prone to heart disease. As a result behavioral epidemiologists develop programs to increase exercise. The discipline of epidemiology uses methods and concepts from other disciplines such as demography, statistics, biology, medicine and sociology.
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As reported in the current issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, 797 cases of colorectal cancer were reported among the study group between 1992 and 1997. After adjusting for risk factors, researchers found that multivitamin use that began just prior to the 1992 enrollment was not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. But the participants who had reported regular multivitamin use (4 or more times per week) in the early 80s, fared much better: their group had a 30 percent reduced risk of the cancer.
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent surveys from Centers for Disease Control and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have raised awareness of the threat of hospital and community acquired infections including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As the public learns more about drug-resistant bacteria, people are searching for simple steps to protect themselves and loved ones against these deadly infections.
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The Epidemiology degree programs are intended for those who wish to investigate the causes of disease occurrence in populations, including characteristics of individuals and their physical and social environment. To investigate these complex relationships, epidemiologists conduct both experimental and observational studies in the community. Their findings are available to policy makers for guidance in actions to improve public health. The graduate programs in Epidemiology are designed to develop skills and capability in the practice and teaching of this discipline. Students are able to learn and participate in epidemiology first hand from faculty members (most are employees of the New York State Department of Health [NYSDOH] with University at Albany appointments) who are actively engaged in the practicing epidemiology and addressing the public health problems and priorities of New York State.
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The overall mission of the Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology is to provide students with strong analytic and quantitative skills needed to conduct professional level public health research, disease surveillance, program evaluation, and public health practice. Biostatistics and Epidemiology are complementary disciplines both academically and professionally. These related fields are based on the mathematical, natural, and social sciences. The Division meets its mission by preparing public health professionals who will work to improve the health of the public. The academic program includes a base of theoretically sound courses complemented by hands-on research experiences and public health agency practice experiences.
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Epidemiology is often called the science of public health. It is described as the study of the distribution and determinants of disease risk in human populations. Epidemiologists study a diverse range of health conditions as well as the impact that various exposures have on the manifestation of disease. In answering the question, “What is epidemiology?”, the following links are a good start:
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