Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 8

Discuss how descriptive epidemiology by person, place, and time may assist in (1) providing information about a disease or condition, (2) providing clues to identify a new disease or adverse health effect, (3) identifying the extent of the public health problem, (4) obtaining a description of the public health problem that can be easily communicated, (5) identifying the population at greatest risk, (6) assisting in planning and resource allocation, and (7) identifying avenues for future research that can provide insights about an etiologic relationship between an exposure and health outcome.

Step 1 of 8

Descriptive data is defined as the level that characterizes the person who is getting the disease. It includes gender, age, occupation, education, marital, race as well as ethnicity. Descriptive data in terms of place refers to the place where the event is occurring or health related sates.