Includes bibliographical references and index.

History and scope of epidemiology -- Practical applications of epidemiology -- Measures of morbidity and mortality -- Descriptive epidemiology : person, place, time -- Sources of data for use in epidemiology -- Study designs : ecologic, cross-sectional, case-control -- Study designs : cohort studies -- Experimental study designs -- Measures of effect -- Data interpretation issues -- Screening for disease in the community -- Epidemiology of infectious diseases -- Epidemiologic aspects of work and the environment -- Molecular and genetic epidemiology -- Social, behavioral, and psychosocial epidemiology -- Epidemiology as a profession.

Now in its Fifth Edition, this text offers comprehensive coverage of all the major topics in introductory epidemiology. With extensive treatment of the heart of epidemiology--from study designs to descriptive epidemiology to quantitative measures--this text is accessible and interesting to a wide range of beginning students in all health-related disciplines. A unique focus is given to real-world applications of epidemiology and the development of skills that students can apply in subsequent course work and in the field. The Fifth Edition is a thorough revision with updated data throughout including: the top 10 leading causes of death, motor vehicle traffic death rates, mortality ratios, infant mortality rates, cancer deaths rates, tuberculosis incidence, life expectancy, incidence of AIDS, breast cancer death rates, tobacco consumption, dementia, suicide rates, unintentional injuries and much more.