Epidemiology Paper - Part One
Grand Canyon University: DNP-825
November 3, 2020
, The word epidemiology is derivative of the Greek words epi, which means on or upon,
demos, which means people and logos which means the study of. Therefore, epidemiology can
be described as the study of what affects groupings of people. According to new research by
Childers (2020), epidemiology is the study of the emergence, distribution and control of disease,
disability and death among populations (p. 1). It is used to find and address health problem
related patterns and to and improve the health of all. Epidemiology is a multi-discipline field that
includes a combination of various sciences including biology, clinical medicine, sociology,
mathematics and ecology.
In the original study of epidemiology, a causation model existed and wass referred to as
the epidemiologic triad. This model indicates that there are three factors that contribute to a
disease cause; the agent, the host and the environment. The agent refers to an infectious
organism, injury or chemical and physical factors which must be present for the disease to occur.
Secondly, the host is the human who can get this disease and it is important to note that human
beings are affected by a variety of intrinsic risk factors. Thirdly, the environment can be
considered the extrinsic factor that has a direct impact on the agent and creates the opportunity
for exposure. While this model did not work comprehensively with non-communicable diseases,
it is important to note, that the issue of risk factors still exist today and disease prevent can be as
simple as blocking the specific risk component.
Explanation of Descriptive Epidemiology Using Theories and Concepts
Epidemiology was originally focused exclusively on epidemics of communicable
diseases; however, the study was changed over time to include endemic communicable and non-
communicable diseases. Epidemiology is often considered as a basic science of Public Health
due to certain factors. Epidemiology is reliant on the knowledge of probability, statistics and
Grand Canyon University: DNP-825
November 3, 2020
, The word epidemiology is derivative of the Greek words epi, which means on or upon,
demos, which means people and logos which means the study of. Therefore, epidemiology can
be described as the study of what affects groupings of people. According to new research by
Childers (2020), epidemiology is the study of the emergence, distribution and control of disease,
disability and death among populations (p. 1). It is used to find and address health problem
related patterns and to and improve the health of all. Epidemiology is a multi-discipline field that
includes a combination of various sciences including biology, clinical medicine, sociology,
mathematics and ecology.
In the original study of epidemiology, a causation model existed and wass referred to as
the epidemiologic triad. This model indicates that there are three factors that contribute to a
disease cause; the agent, the host and the environment. The agent refers to an infectious
organism, injury or chemical and physical factors which must be present for the disease to occur.
Secondly, the host is the human who can get this disease and it is important to note that human
beings are affected by a variety of intrinsic risk factors. Thirdly, the environment can be
considered the extrinsic factor that has a direct impact on the agent and creates the opportunity
for exposure. While this model did not work comprehensively with non-communicable diseases,
it is important to note, that the issue of risk factors still exist today and disease prevent can be as
simple as blocking the specific risk component.
Explanation of Descriptive Epidemiology Using Theories and Concepts
Epidemiology was originally focused exclusively on epidemics of communicable
diseases; however, the study was changed over time to include endemic communicable and non-
communicable diseases. Epidemiology is often considered as a basic science of Public Health
due to certain factors. Epidemiology is reliant on the knowledge of probability, statistics and
