epidemiology definition biology
For other uses, see Epidemiology (disambiguation). Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is the cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.
Epidemiology, literally meaning the study of what is upon the people, is derived from Greek epi, meaning upon, among, demos, meaning people, district, and logos, meaning study, word, discourse, suggesting that it applies only to human populations.