Definition: Study of how diseases and health conditions spread and affect populations.
Scope: Focuses on groups of people, not individuals.
Key Role: Provides evidence to guide public health decisions and interventions.
Applications:
- Tracking infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, flu).
- Identifying risk factors for chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, heart disease).
- Evaluating prevention strategies (vaccination, health campaigns).
Tools Used:
- Public health surveillance systems.
- Data analysis and visualization.
- Outbreak and epidemic investigations.
Impact:
- Shapes government policies and health programs.
- Helps allocate resources effectively.
- Improves quality of life by reducing disease burden.
Why Important: Translates data into action, saves lives, prevents crises.
