Essentials of Epidemiology  (Paperback, SRIDHAR RAO)

As the title indicates this book describes the essential theoretic and applied aspects of epidemiology. At the outset it clears the confusion between the etymological derivative of epidemiology, the science of epidemics of communicable diseases, and the true meaning of modern epidemiology, namely, the study of all morbid events with the objective of ensuring individuals’, families’ and community’s health and welfare. “Essentials of Epidemiology” traces the evolution of epidemiology from being the science/art focused on public at large to being one targeted both at general population and at the sick seeking consultation from medical practitioners and/or admission to hospitals. This book answers questions like what are the foundation pillars of epidemiology, how it helps researchers and health administrators understand the causes and dynamics of diseases, how it guides the clinicians cost-effectively treat their patients and what is the role of epidemiology in health planning and health policy formulation. While for health professionals this book will be useful in helping them practice prevention-oriented care, for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and allied students preparing for the examination in community medicine or preventive social medicine, it will be a companion to the author’s authoritative and comprehensive treatise on the subject entitled “Principles of Community Medicine.”