Concepts of epidemiology

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Robert A. Spasoff

"This book is dedicated to the proposition that health policy should be evidence-based, and that epidemiology can provide much of the evidence. Unlike most epidemiology textbooks, which focus on etiologic research, Epidemiologic Methods for Health Policy emphasizes the descriptive methods that are relevant to policy. Many practical examples are provided, drawn from several developed countries, but mathematics is kept to an elementary level. A recurring theme is the interaction between health phenomena and the underlying population dynamics, and thus the close relationship of this type of epidemiology to demography."--Jacket.

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Randall Harris

Epidemiology of Chronic Disease: Global Perspectives is the most current and authoritative resource on the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors and preventive factors of forty common chronic diseases. This comprehensive text provides readers with an excellent basis for examining current hypotheses regarding chronic disease epidemiology. Organized into eight sections, the text begins with an introductory chapter examines the new public health environment in which chronic diseases have replaced acute infectious conditions concurrent with improved health care and increasing longevity in many populations of the world. Subsequent sections cover cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, major forms of cancer, diseases of the respiratory tract, metabolic and digestive diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and finally, three infectious diseases that often manifest as chronic conditions. Special sections in each chapter focus on controversial topics that can serve as a launching point for classroom discussion of molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and the relevant epidemiologic issues pertaining to the prevention and control of chronic diseases.

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Thomas D. Koepsell, Noel S. Weiss

This is a rigorous, systematic introduction to the basic concepts and practical tools of epidemiologic research. It is aimed at readers who will be conducting epidemiologic studies themselves or who need a firm grasp of epidemiologic principles in order to interpret and evaluate studies conducted by others. Besides offering clear descriptions of key concepts, the book is rich with examples illustrating how these concepts are applied. Some examples are drawn from classic studies in the field--the work of Snow, Semmelweis, Goldberger, Doll and Hill, and others--while many others concern modern-day epidemiologic studies of problems of current public health importance. Almost every chapter includes a set of exercises (with answers) to help students gain practice in applying new ideas and techniques. The book's chapters are organized around three main themes: general concepts and methods of epidemiology; major study designs; and evaluating policies and programs. Collectively, these topics form the core material for a graduate-level course or course sequence in epidemiologic methods. Both authors are experienced epidemiologic researchers and have won multiple awards for effective teaching.

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Ann Aschengrau and George R. Seage III

" Successfully tested in the authors' courses at Boston University and Harvard University, Essentials of Epidemiology in Public Health, Fourth Edition combines theory and practice in presenting traditional and new epidemiologic concepts. Broad in scope, the text opens with five chapters covering the basic epidemiologic concepts and data sources. A major emphasis is placed on study design, with separate chapters devoted to each of the three main analytic designs: experimental, cohort, and case-control studies. Full chapters on bias, confounding, and random error, including the role of statistics in epidemiology, ensure that students are well-equipped with the necessary information to interpret the results of epidemiologic studies. An entire chapter is also devoted to the concept of effect measure modification, an often-neglected topic in introductory textbooks. Up-to-date examples from the epidemiologic literature on diseases of public health importance are provided throughout the book. The Fourth Edition retains its familiar 17-chapter structure but adds some important updates: Updated statistics and data throughout. Descriptions of recent infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola and Zika in the chapter on Descriptive Epidemiology. More information on investigating infectious disease outbreaks. Examples used to illustrate epidemiological principles have been updated and add greater emphasis on social factors that influence health. Straightforward descriptions of the latest epidemiologic methods including mediation analysis, agent-based modelling, and the use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to assess confounding. New figures and graphs to llustrate epidemiologic principles. More information and links to on-line resources in the chapter on Sources of Public Health Data. More subheadings and improved readability. Five to ten new questions in each set of chapter questions, many of which involve critical thinking and/or calculations to help students achieve a greater depth of understanding. Enhanced and updated instructor support materials "-- "Essentials of Epidemiology in Public Health, Fourth Edition combines theory and practice in presenting traditional and new epidemiologic concepts. Broad in scope, the text opens with five chapters covering the basic epidemiologic concepts and data sources. A major emphasis is placed on study design, with separate chapters devoted to each of the three main analytic designs: experimental, cohort, and case-control studies. Full chapters on bias, confounding, and random error, including the role of statistics in epidemiology, ensure that students are well-equipped with the necessary information to interpret the results of epidemiologic studies. An entire chapter is also devoted to the concept of effect measure modification, an often-neglected topic in introductory textbooks. Up-to-date examples from the epidemiologic literature on diseases of public health importance are provided throughout the book. The Fourth Edition retains its familiar 17-chapter structure but adds some important updates: Updated statistics and data throughout Descriptions of recent infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola and Zika in the chapter on Descriptive Epidemiology. More information on investigating infectious disease outbreaks. Examples used to illustrate epidemiological principles have been updated and add greater emphasis on social factors that influence health. Straightforward descriptions of the latest epidemiologic methods including mediation analysis, agent-based modelling, and the use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to assess confounding. New figures and graphs to illustrate epidemiologic principles"--