Epidemiology Relation with Public Health

“Epidemiology is the study of the patterns of diseases and factors that causes diseases in man.”

- Center for Disease Control, US Public Health Services

Thus Public health has itself defined epidemiology and epidemiology can be said as a key discipline of public health. It is also known as one of the core sciences of Public Health. It is also considered as the foundation methodology of Public Health Research.

In the mid-1980s, five major tasks of epidemiology in public health practice were identified: 

1. Public health surveillance
2. Field investigation
3. Analytic studies
4. Evaluation
5. Linkages. 

A sixth task, policy development, was recently added. In addition, Community health assessment, screening, intervention programmers, disease investigation are also the functions of epidemiology which have significant roles in Public health.

Also, according to John M. Last, 1988, Epidemiology is defined as “the study of the distribution and determinants of the health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.” Relating this definition to public health:

• Epidemiology is concerned with the collective health of the people.
• Epidemiologic findings provide sufficient evidence to direct quick and effective public health control and prevention measures.
• Epidemiology uses epidemiologic information to promote and protect the public's health. Thus, epidemiology involves both science and public health practice.
• Epidemiological data directs public health decision making and aids in developing and evaluating interventions to control and prevent health.

Thus, it serves as the foundation and logic of interventions which fulfills the purpose of public health i.e. to prevent diseases, to promote health of people and to prolong their life.