Epidemiology is the study of the patterns,
causes, and effects of
health and
disease conditions in defined
populations. It is the cornerstone of
public health, and shapes policy decisions and
evidence-based practice by identifying
risk factors for disease and targets for
preventive healthcare. Epidemiologists help with study design, collection, and
statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including
peer review and occasional
systematic review). Epidemiology has helped develop
methodology used in
clinical research,
public health studies, and, to a lesser extent,
basic research in the biological sciences.
