What does epidemiology primarily study?

Epidemiology is fundamentally the study of how diseases are distributed within populations and the factors that influence this distribution. It seeks to understand the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. This includes assessments of the prevalence of diseases, the demographics of affected populations, and how various social, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to the spread and control of diseases.

Through this lens, epidemiologists collect data and analyze both qualitative and quantitative information to identify trends and correlations. They use this information to inform public health strategies and policies aimed at preventing disease and promoting health within communities. This focus on population-level health, rather than individual cases or genetic predispositions, is what distinctly characterizes the field of epidemiology.