Epidemiology
In my initial days in course, I got to understand a new dimension of Epidemiology. I understood that it is an old branch of medical science that has procedures for doing scientific research on causes of diseases affecting masses of people. Epidemiology depends entirely on data by observing, collecting and analyzing it to derive a report that is reliable. Epidemiological science employs several factors that determine the outcome (CDC, 1997). In the ancient day epidemiology was used exclusively for common epidemics however this has changed to study all manner of illnesses. Epidemiologists use samples from different populations to carry out the research by combining wide range of knowledge and make references from previous studies to come up with a conclusion.
Epidemiology has evolved over the years to the modern world. The methods of conducting studies have also changed with the rise in modern technology. It has taken several deliberations for epidemiology to be identified as a science .Epidemiology started with study of epidemics like cholera that would kill larger numbers. Epidemiology is branded as a new science much as it has roots in the past that are documented. However there are similarities between ancient epidemiology and the modern day epidemiology science like in both cases data is involved (Go, 2002).
Ethics of epidemiology are sourced from policies that govern the discipline. For example the participants have to accept to be used in the study that is consenting. Security of the participants is useful for the study and their privacy upheld. Policies have also been set up to handle conflicts and as well give the subjects clear ideas for them to decide (Coughlin & Weed 2009).
Epidemiological studies are influenced by several factors like disease prevalence by trying to identify and control the disease causing agent with aim of averting future replication of the said disease. These are some of the critical areas that really inspire me in this course.
References
Centers for Disease Control, & Prevention (US). Epidemiology Program Office. (1997). MMWR.: Recommendations and Reports (Vol. 47). US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Epidemiology Program Office.
Coughlin, S. S., Beauchamp, T. L., & Weed, D. L. (Eds.). (2009). Ethics and epidemiology. Oxford University Press.
Go, M. F. (2002). Natural history and epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 16, 3-15.