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Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

Extensive overview of the concepts of epidemiology provides a coherent analysis of the field.
Theoretical and practical examples written in an engaging and accessible style.
Up to date research in the area of public health practice, including health care policy and planning, with examples applicable to global issues in the field.
Exercises with answers at the end of each chapter enhance effective learning.
Richly illustrated with detailed figures and tables to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of the concepts.

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The use of exemplars, highlighted in panels, to illustrate the concepts and methods under consideration in every chapter.
Much more emphasis on causality, and an introduction to the language and approaches of causal graphs Introduction to the language (including an expanded glossary) and approaches of the directed acyclic graph (DAG), translating the technical terms into more familiar epidemiological words and phrases (with an exemplar).
Expansion of previously introductory material on how new genetic technologies are changing epidemiology, with special emphasis on the Mendelian randomisation study (with an exemplar).
Fuller consideration of the technical, ethical, conceptual and practical epidemiological issues arising from computerised linkage of records (with exemplars).
A deeper consideration of the way one moves from data to information and intelligence through systematic analysis and interpretation especially in the context of the potential for extremely large studies on tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of people.

Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

Description

Epidemiology is a population science that underpins health improvement and health care, by exploring and establishing the pattern, frequency, trends, and causes of a disease. Concepts of Epidemiology comprehensively describes the application of core epidemiological concepts and principles to readers interested in population health research, policy making, health service planning, health promotion, and clinical care.

The book provides an overview of study designs and practical framework for the epidemiological analyses of diseases, including accounting for error and bias within studies. It discusses the ways in which epidemiological data are presented, explains the distinction between association and causation, as well as relative and absolute risks, and considers the theoretical and ethical basis of epidemiology both in the past and the future.

This new edition places even greater emphasis on interactive learning. Each chapter includes learning objectives, theoretical and numerical exercises, questions and answers, a summary of the key points, and exemplar panels to illustrate the concepts and methods under consideration.

Written in an accessible and engaging style, with a specialized glossary to explain and define technical terminology, Concepts of Epidemiology is ideal for postgraduate students in epidemiology, public health, and health policy. It is also perfect for clinicians, undergraduate students and researchers in medicine, nursing and other health disciplines who wish to improve their understanding of fundamental epidemiological concepts.

Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

1:What is epidemiology? The nature, scope, variables, principal measures, and designs of a biological, clinical, social and ecological science
2:The epidemiological concept of population
3:Variation in disease by time, place, and person: Background and a framework for analysis of genetic and environmental effects
4:Error, bias and confounding in epidemiology
5:Cause and effect - The epidemiological approach
6:Interrelated concepts in the epidemiology of disease: Natural history and incubation period, time trends in populations, spectrum, iceberg, and screening
7:The concept of risk and fundamental measures of disease frequency: Incidence and prevalence
8:Summarising, presenting and interpreting epidemiological data: building on incidence and prevalence
9:Epidemiological study designs and principles of data analysis: A conceptually integrated suite of methods and techniques
10:Epidemiology in the past, present and the future: Theory, ethics, context, and critical appraisal
Appendix 1: Possible curriculum for taught courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students and in continuing education
Appendix 2: Useful websites
Index

Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

Author Information

Raj S. Bhopal, Alexander Bruce and John Usher Professor of Public Health, University of Edinburgh, and Honorary Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian Board, UK

Raj Bhopal is currently Emeritus Professor of Public Health at The University of Edinburgh. His books are Concepts of Epidemiology, Epidemic of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes; Explaining the Phenomenon in South Asians Worldwide; and Migration, Ethnicity, race and Health. His academic publications include about 350 journal articles, on topics including Legionnaires' disease, primary care epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, ethnicity and health and the pandemic of COVID-19. He is currently focusing on ethnic variations in disease, with a special emphasis on how to respond to this knowledge with more effective public health interventions and clinical services. As Chairman of the Executive Committees he was leader of the first World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health 2018. Raj Bhopal was appointed CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2001.

Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

Reviews and Awards

"this book is very readable, factual in quality and offers comprehensive coverage of essential material required for an introductory-level understanding of vital epidemiological concepts. I will recommend the book to practising occupational health physicians and specialty trainees preparing for membership examinations." - Gordon Jackson-Koku, Occupational Medicine

"Students frequently seek guidance as to the best introductory-level textbook on epidemiology. This book, now in its third edition, is a worthy contender. [...] This is an easy and engaging read, with clear, simple explanations that belie the complexity of the subject matter [...] The book lives up to its promise to integrate the ideas, theories, principles and methods of epidemiology. As an introductory textbook, it will pique the interest of students of epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, medicine, nursing and allied health professions, while providing a foundation on which to build their knowledge and skills. More experienced epidemiologists and teachers also will find this a refreshing and useful addition to their library." - Jane M. Young, International Journal of Epidemiology

"Praise for Previous Editions "

"The text carries the trademarks of an experienced and conscientious teacher, as befits an author who is a senior professor and head of the Department of Community Health Sciences at the venerable institution of the University of Edinburgh. He writes forthright prose, clear and uncomplicated throughout; he deploys an array of teaching tools; and the tables and uncomplicated throughout; he deploys an array of teaching tools; and the tables and diagrams are numerous and well done." - Mervyn Susser, International Journal of Epidemiology

"Highly commended in the Public Health Category of the BMA Book Awards 2009"

"Among many other strengths are an abundance of worked out problems and references to relevant literature that follow each chapter...On balance, Iwould strongly recommend this as a supplementary text that can double as a study guide for the serious graduate student in epidemiology." - Preventive Medicine

"Case studies are abundant and the questions and answers that end the chapters should be particularly useful for those using the book outside of a course setting. Figures have been used creatively to explain key concepts." - American Journal of Epidemiology

""The range of topics is broad, updated, and appropriate for an introductory text."" - American Journal of Epidemiology

Concepts of Epidemiology

Integrating the ideas, theories, principles, and methods of epidemiology

Third Edition

Raj S. Bhopal

From Our Blog

Why many wrongs make a right in the health sciences

Stories that link diseases to their possible causes are popular, and often generate humour, bemusement, and skepticism. Readers assume that today's health hazards will be tomorrow's health saviours. Rod Liddle's headline in the Sunday Times is an example: 'Toasties get you laid, fat prevents dementia and I'm a sex god.' Liddle starts with some fun statistics showing that those who ate cheese toasties had more enjoyable sex than those who did not.

Posted on February 28, 2017

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