What does epidemiology study?

Epidemiology primarily studies the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. This field focuses on understanding how diseases and health states spread, what factors contribute to their occurrence, and the characteristics of populations that are affected. By examining various determinants—including biological, social, environmental, and behavioral factors—epidemiologists can identify risk factors and potential interventions to improve health outcomes.

This understanding allows for the development of strategies to prevent disease, reduce health disparities, and control the spread of health threats. By researching population patterns, epidemiologists can better inform public health policies and practices that lead to healthier communities overall.

Other choices may focus on specific aspects of health or limited scopes, but they do not encompass the broad and comprehensive nature of epidemiology, which evaluates various health-related occurrences in diverse populations and their determinants.