Understanding Epidemiology and its Terms

Epidemiology is the study of patterns of spread of disease or events related to health, as well as factors that can influence the situation. Epidemiology is carried out in certain areas of society, ranging from a small scope to a larger scope. For example, the housing environment, schools, regions, countries to the world. The application of epidemiology is to conduct an investigation of an event related to health so that it can be controlled. For example when an outbreak occurs.

Terms in Epidemiology

In epidemiology, there are terms called epidemics, endemics, pandemics, and epidemics. All of these are related to serious illnesses. The following is an explanation of these epidemiological terms:

The plague

Outbreak is the occurrence of a disease in the community, where the number of people infected is more than usual, in certain communities or in certain seasons. This outbreak can occur continuously, starting from days to years. Not only in one region, but can also extend to other regions or countries. People often assume that if an infectious disease occurs, it means there has been an outbreak. In fact, this is not always the case. Disease is said to be a plague when it is:
• It's been a long time since I've infected people,
• Comes a new illness that was not previously known,
• The disease is a disease that is the first time affecting people in the area.

Epidemic

An epidemic is a condition similar to an epidemic. The situation is said to be an epidemic if a community group or region is exposed to an infectious disease and the events occur quickly. One example of the epidemic was in 2003 when the disease SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) was endemic throughout the world and claimed hundreds of lives.

Pandemic

Pandemics are epidemics of diseases that occur widely throughout the world. In other words, this disease has become a problem with global citizens. An example of a pandemic is HIV / AIDS. Not only that, influenza, which currently looks mild, had once been a disease that was included in the pandemic category and became a global disease problem.

Endemic

Is the state or characteristics of a particular region or environment that has to do with disease. For example, certain regions are places known as environments where people are susceptible to certain diseases. This disease is always present in the area but the frequency is low. In Indonesia, for example, there are areas that are endemic to malaria.

Health Issues Investigated

In epidemiology, there are several health problems that usually require further investigation. These health problems may differ from one area to another or from one disease to another. Factors that influence epidemiology are:

• Environmental exposure, such as heavy metals, lead, and air pollution that can trigger asthma.
• Infectious diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.
• Non-communicable diseases, for example certain types of cancer or babies born with birth defects.
• Injury, due to an increase in social problems such as cases of domestic violence or increased crime in the community.
• Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis.

Epidemiology is an important science for health workers. With the help of epidemiology, the government and health workers can map disease patterns so that steps can be taken to prevent worsening and find solutions.