The scientific study of how diseases spread, who they affect, and how to control or prevent them in populations. It focuses on patterns, causes, and risk factors for health problems.
From Greek *epidēmia* 'disease upon the people' and *-logia* 'study of'. It grew as a field in the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in public health and statistics.
Epidemiology is like detective work for health, but the 'victim' is a whole population, not just one person. Epidemiologists often don’t treat patients; they treat patterns. Their work quietly shapes things like seat-belt laws, food safety rules, and vaccination schedules.
Epidemiology historically relied on data and models that sometimes overlooked gender differences in exposure, symptoms, and outcomes. Over time, gender-sensitive epidemiology has highlighted how social roles and inequalities shape disease patterns.
Use “epidemiology” in ways that recognize the importance of sex- and gender-disaggregated data and intersectional analysis where relevant. Avoid assuming that population averages represent all genders equally.
["study of disease patterns","population health research"]
Women epidemiologists and public health researchers have advanced gender-aware and intersectional approaches, improving understanding of how diseases affect different groups.
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