Overview
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in a defined population. As a cornerstone of public health, epidemiology informs policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. Epidemiologists can develop targeted interventions to improve public health outcomes. Vaccine epidemiology has been used to study the impact of vaccination on disease transmission and to develop targeted vaccination strategies. The use of screening tests to detect diseases such as cancer and diabetes has been shaped by epidemiological studies on the benefits and risks of screening.