Epidemiology in the 21st century: essential tools

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.

Epidemiology plays an important role in daily life, because it could be said that without public health, epidemiology cannot exist. Likewise, it is crucial to guarantee 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 risk of mortality.
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.
The tools that epidemiology uses, such as statistics, allow it to perform population analyses. In addition, through the criteria of causality, such as temporality, biological plausibility, the study design and the dose-response, the statistical association found is scientifically based.

Some of the advances in the tools in epidemiology:

Massive data analysis (Big Data): The ability to collect, store and analyze large volumes of data has revolutionized epidemiology.
Study of the genetic basis: It allows us to track the evolution of pathogens and understand how diseases spread.
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.
Mathematical modeling: Used to describe and explain the health conditions of the population.
Integration of information sources: Used to learn more about the health-disease process.
Social media platforms: Allows tracking the spread of information about diseases. In this way, understanding people’s behavior.
Multilevel models: Used to consider the molecular, human, social and environmental levels.
Eco-epidemiology: Focuses on causal relationships at a social level.

Types of epidemiology:

Types of studies: Objective.
Descriptive: Observe what occurs naturally without any manipulation.
Analytical: Test 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.
Home.

Epidemiological triad:

In every process there are 3 essential elements involved:

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.