Basic Epidemiology

This manual provides an introduction to the principles and methods of epidemiology. It is intended for use in the training of undergraduate medical and public health students, and of health professionals in in-service courses. Starting from an explanation of the causes of disease, with particular emphasis on modifiable environmental factors, the authors go on to show how epidemiology can be applied to the prevention of disease and the promotion of health, with numerous examples from the scientific literature. Individual chapters deal with the application of epidemiology to communicable diseases, clinical medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care planning and evaluation. The book thus prepares members of the health related professions for the increasing need to base health protection programmes and health care services on appropriate epidemiological analysis. Such an approach would provide the foundation for health services that address all aspects of the health of populations and that make the best possible use of available resources.