What field studies the incidence and distribution of diseases?

Epidemiology is the field dedicated to the study of the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases within populations. It involves analyzing various factors that influence health outcomes in different communities and helps identify patterns and causes of health-related events. This branch of public health plays a crucial role in understanding how diseases spread, which populations are most at risk, and what interventions can effectively reduce the incidence of these diseases.

This discipline uses statistical methods to observe and interpret health data, making it essential for informed public health decision-making. By focusing on the relationships between health, disease, and various social, environmental, and biological factors, epidemiology provides valuable insights necessary for disease prevention strategies and health policy development.