Epidemiology seeks to describe and to understand patterns of disease occurrence in human populations. This book is an expanded introduction to the concepts and tools of epidemiologic research. The book offers clear descriptions of key concepts and is rich with examples illustrating how these concepts are applied. Some examples are drawn from classic studies in the field—the work of Snow, Semmelweis, Goldberger, Doll and Hill, and others—while many other examples concern modern-day epidemiologic studies on problems of current public health importance. Most chapters include exercises (with answe ... More

Epidemiology seeks to describe and to understand patterns of disease occurrence in human populations. This book is an expanded introduction to the concepts and tools of epidemiologic research. The book offers clear descriptions of key concepts and is rich with examples illustrating how these concepts are applied. Some examples are drawn from classic studies in the field—the work of Snow, Semmelweis, Goldberger, Doll and Hill, and others—while many other examples concern modern-day epidemiologic studies on problems of current public health importance. Most chapters include exercises (with answers provided) to help readers gain practice in applying new ideas and techniques. The book's chapters are organized around three main themes: general concepts and tools of epidemiology; major specific study designs; and special topics, including screening, outbreak investigation, and evaluating policies and programs.