• measuring health status:
• (MR)

• role of epidemiology
• measures of epidemiology (mortality, infant mortality, morbidity, life expectancy)

• role of epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of disease in groups or populations through the collection of data and information, to identify patterns and cause. It considers the prevalence (number of cases), incidence (new cases of disease), distribution (the extent) and apparent cause (determinants and indicators)

• measures of epidemiology (mortality, infant mortality, morbidity, life expectancy)

Mortality: the number of deaths in a population from a particular cause and//or over a period of time. More older people (BABY BOOMERS) are dying 

Infant Mortality: the number of infant deaths in the first year of life, per 1000 live births. In Aust: gradual decrease. Was very high in 1920’s (WWII).  Generally we have a high Infant mortality rate as the Aboriginal status brings our whole nations status down.

Morbidity: is the incidence or level of illness, disease or injury in a given population. More people are diagnosed of cancer (raises awareness), Breast and Prostate cancer have an increase in incidence. Drop in Prostate cancer rates due to awareness and a push in the mid-90s by the media, to check up. Though this ceased, and rates started to incline (again) 

Life Expectancy: the length of time a person can expect to live. The average number of years of life remaining to a person at a particular age, based on current death rates. The life expectancy of females is higher than males. In 1907 we could live up to 57 in 2011 75+. Australian Life expectancy rates are high compared to the rest of the world.

• what can epidemiology tell us?

dentify health needs and allocate health-care resources accordingly

Describe and compare patterns of health (in groups, communities and populations)

Evaluate health behaviours and strategies to control and prevent disease

Identify and promote behaviours that can improve health status of the overall population

• who uses these measures?

Australian Department of health: allocates funds to areas where Australia lacks health

Department of Education: informs students about health, puts policies in place e.g. no hat no play policy, also targets younger generation in areas where health is most needed to be promoted and approached

Hospitals: so they can prioritise larger problems, targeting high risk areas of health. Specialists can also use health promotion strategies, to enforce good health.

Pharmaceutical companies: so they know what kinds of medications and experimental drugs are in demand.

Doctors: can see patterns which they can use towards research. Target patients where health care is needed most. Also: to promote that area of health.