Applied Epidemiology

Abstract Focusing on areas of public health practice in which the systematic application of epidemiologic methods can have a large and positive impact, this text applies traditional epidemiologic methods for determining disease etiology to the “real-life” applications of public health and health services research. Brownson and Petitti--true to their belief that epidemiology is the diagnostic discipline of public health--provide a much-needed book that bridges the gap between theoretical epidemiology and public health practice. Their uniquely comprehensive coverage includes a number of topics not traditionally addressed by other epidemiology texts. Twelve chapters offer a thorough, in-depth analysis of the important issues, methods, problems, and limitations within applied epidemiology. Following an introduction, three overview chapters detail study design and interpretation, outbreak and cluster investigations, and public health surveillance. The remaining chapters highlight key issues and provide practical recommendations on eight contemporary topics, such as community intervention trials, outcomes research, risk assessment, screening, and cost-benefit analysis. The editors--both very well-known researchers in the field--have compiled reviews with direct relevance to or a strong basis in epidemiology. All chapters have been authored by recognized authorities in the field of epidemiology and public health. Case studies of actual programs at the end of each chapter illustrate major points and provide a foundation for more detailed discussions. Applied Epidemiology is intended for practitioners in epidemiology, and students in epidemiology and related disciplines that rely heavily on epidemiologic methods and reasoning. It will be a practical and informative tool in academic institutions, federal agencies with significant educational missions, state and local public health agencies, and health care organizations.