Epidemiology XXI: 9 Key Tools Find out! |

In epidemiology, new tools are essential to improve our ability to perceive, prevent and control diseases.

Epidemiology is a science that studies the health conditions of the population, the causes of diseases and how to predict them. Thus, it deals extensively with the problems of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatism and cancers.

It is important to know that John Snow is considered the father of modern epidemiology.

This science plays an important role in daily life, because it could be said that, without public health, epidemiology cannot exist. Likewise, it is decisive in guaranteeing public health, since the study of diseases that affect the population is needed to find timely solutions.

Importance:

Detecting health problems and being able to modify them are two of the most important actions of epidemiology. Therefore, this science is capable of improving the quality of life of people, as well as achieving a decrease in their mortality risks.

This science aims to describe and explain the dynamics of population health. Also, to identify the elements that compose it and understand the forces that govern it.

Collective health is the comprehensive conception of medicine, which encompasses the biological and the social.

In this case, the science that studies population diseases has its interdisciplinary approach, its dependence on technology and its emphasis on global collaboration.

Also, it is essential to recognize that this modern science is based on a social vision, where the social determinants of health play a primary role in the distribution of diseases.

The tools used by epidemiology, in this case, statistics, allow it to make population analyses.

Through the criteria of causality, such as temporality, biological plausibility, the design of the study and the dose-response, it scientifically supports the statistical association found.

The digital age and technological advances have revolutionized the way in which experts collect, analyze and interpret data.

Advances in the tools used:

Big Data Analysis: The ability to collect, store and analyse large volumes of data has revolutionised epidemiology.
Study of the genetic basis: It allows us to track the evolution of pathogens and understand how diseases spread. Similarly, the sequencing of the human genome and advances in genomics have made it possible to study the role of genetic factors in health and disease.
Mathematical models and simulations as tools allow us to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases and predict their impact.
Portable sensors and mobile devices: To collect real-time data on people’s health.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS allows us to view and analyse health data in relation to geographic location.
Integration of information sources: It is used to learn more about the health-disease process.
Social media platforms: it allows us to track the spread of information about diseases. In this way, understanding people’s behavior.
Multilevel models: They are used to consider the molecular, human, social and environmental levels.
Eco-epidemiology: It focuses on causal relationships at a social level.

Types:

Types of studies: Objective.
Descriptive: Observe what happens naturally without any manipulation.
Analytical: Check the hypothesis that investigates the relationship between disease and possible causal factors.

Areas of study that this science includes:

Biogenetic and environmental factors.
Health services.
Styles, conditions and way of life of people, groups and society.

Elements that compose it:

In every process, 3 essential elements intervene:

The agent,
The host
And the environment.

Therefore, the tools of 21st century epidemiology are essential to address the health challenges of today’s world. In this way, health professionals and scientists can identify the causes, risk factors and mechanisms of diseases.

In this sense, these nine key tools are allowing epidemiologists to address the public health challenges of the 21st century more effectively and efficiently