- Outline the measures of epidemiology. (3 marks)
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- Describe the limitations of epidemiology. (4 marks)
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a. Measures of epidemiology
- Mortality measures death rates within populations over specific time periods.
- Morbidity measures illness and disease rates, including incidence and prevalence.
- Infant mortality measures deaths of children under one year per 1,000 live births.
- Life expectancy measures average expected lifespan based on current death rates.
- Incidence measures new cases of disease occurring during specific time periods.
- Prevalence measures total cases of disease existing at particular points in time.
b. Epidemiology limitations
- Epidemiology provides statistical patterns but cannot explain underlying causes of health behaviours.
- Data collection may be incomplete or inaccurate, particularly in remote communities.
- Emergency situations can prevent adequate data gathering and timely analysis.
- Epidemiology focuses on population trends rather than individual health experiences.
- Rapid health changes may make data outdated before analysis is completed.
- Cultural and social factors influencing health are not captured by statistical measures.
- Epidemiology cannot account for quality of life or subjective wellbeing indicators.
Show Worked Solution
a. Measures of epidemiology
- Mortality measures death rates within populations over specific time periods.
- Morbidity measures illness and disease rates, including incidence and prevalence.
- Infant mortality measures deaths of children under one year per 1,000 live births.
- Life expectancy measures average expected lifespan based on current death rates.
- Incidence measures new cases of disease occurring during specific time periods.
- Prevalence measures total cases of disease existing at particular points in time.
b. Epidemiology limitations
- Epidemiology provides statistical patterns but cannot explain underlying causes of health behaviours.
- Data collection may be incomplete or inaccurate, particularly in remote communities.
- Emergency situations can prevent adequate data gathering and timely analysis.
- Epidemiology focuses on population trends rather than individual health experiences.
- Rapid health changes may make data outdated before analysis is completed.
- Cultural and social factors influencing health are not captured by statistical measures.
- Epidemiology cannot account for quality of life or subjective wellbeing indicators.
♦♦ Mean mark 53%.