What is Epidemiology?
The Study of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the
study of how diseases spread and can be controlled in the population. In medicine, the patient is the individual, but in epidemiology, the patient is the entire community. By studying the distribution (frequency and pattern of spread) and determinants (causes and risk factors) of health-related states in the community, resources can be properly allocated to control health problems and improve the health of the community overall.
Epidemiology at Columbus Public Health
The Office
of Epidemiology is a section in the Population Health Division. Our staff works to help improve the health of the Columbus
community through gathering and analyzing health-related data and information. Our
office accomplishes this through:
- Community
Health Assessment The community health
assessment data informs community decision-making, the prioritization of health
problems, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of community
health improvement plans.
- Public
Health Surveillance In conjunction with
other internal and external public health partners, the Office of Epidemiology
uses epidemiological techniques to monitor, identify, investigate and report on
emerging health threats, including opiates, extreme heat, flu, sexually
transmitted infections, and Zika.
- Data
and Analysis The Office of
Epidemiology provides data and analysis support to internal and external
partners for program planning and grant funding efforts related to Maternal and
Child Health, Chronic Disease, Injury Prevention, Infectious Disease, Health
Equity and other topics.