General Principles of Epidemiology

Author(s):
Samantha M. Tweeten, PhD, MPH Epidemiologist

Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch
Health and Human Services Agency
County of San Diego
San Diego, CA

Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
  • Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: Samantha M. Tweeten has no potential conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract

Epidemiology—the study of the frequency, distribution, cause, and control of disease in populations—forms the basis of all health-related studies. It provides the background for interventions to reduce transmission of infectious organisms, reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections, and protect healthcare personnel from infection. Understanding the relationships of host, environment, and organism will aid the infection preventionist in designing studies to determine the causes of healthcare-associated infections and design and evaluate interventions.