|
Epidemiology
Epidemiology:
the study (surveillance,
observation, hypothesis testing, analytic research, and experiments)
of the distribution (analysis by
time, place, and classes of persons affected)
and determinants (physical,
biological, social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health)
of health-related states or events (diseases,
causes of death, behavior such as use of tobacco, reactions to preventive
regimens, and provisions and use of health services)
in specified populations
(identifiable characteristics such as precisely defined numbers)
and the application of this study to control health
problems (to promote, protect, and restore health)
John
M. Last,
A Dictionary of Epidemiology
|
