Epidemiology kept simple : an introduction to traditional and modern epidemiology / B. Burt Gerstman.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Epidemiology past and present -- Causal concepts -- Epidemiologic measures -- Descriptive epidemiology -- Introduction to epidemiologic study design -- Experimental studies -- Observational cohort studies -- Case control studies -- Error in epidemiologic research -- Screening for disease -- The infectious disease process -- Outbreak investigation -- Confidence intervals and p values -- Mantel/Haenszel methods -- Statistical interaction : effect measure modification -- Case definitions and disease classification -- Survival analysis -- Current life tables -- Random distribution of cases in time and space.

B. Burt Gerstman introduces the epidemiological principles and methods that are increasingly important in the practice of medicine and public health. With minimum use of technical language it fully explains terminology, concepts, and techniques associated with traditional and modern epidemiology. Topics include disease causality, epidemiologic measures, descriptive epidemiology, study design, clinical and primary prevention trials, observational cohort studies, case-control studies, and the consideration of random and systematic error in studies of causal factors. Chapters on the infectious disease process, outbreak investigation, and screening for disease are also included. The latter chapters introduce more advanced biostatistical and epidemiologic techniques, such as survival analysis, Mantel-Haenszel techniques, and tests for interaction. This third edition addresses all the requirements of the American Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Epidemiological Competencies, and provides enhanced clarity and readability on this difficult subject. Updated with new practical exercises, case studies and real world examples, this title helps you develop the necessary tools to interpret epidemiological data and prepare for board exams, and now also includes review questions at the end of each chapter. This text continues to provide an introductory guide to the use of epidemiological methods for graduate and undergraduate students studying public health, health education and nursing, and for all practicing health professionals seeking professional development.