Epidemiology and health sciences: an analysis through scientific literature

Abstract

Epidemiology, a discipline whose origins have been subject to debate, solidified as an essential science in the 19th century, driven by significant demographic and social transformations. This discipline has evolved by adapting to advances in medicine and science, incorporating a perspective that goes beyond the exclusive focus on disease to consider the overall well-being of populations. Currently, three main approaches are recognized in epidemiology: biomedical, social, and historical. These approaches have enabled epidemiology to collaborate with various disciplines and employ new techniques, establishing it as a fundamental science in public health and medical research. The present study aimed to analyze the importance of epidemiological studies and their classification, in order to clarify their role in the development of health policies. Through a comprehensive review of scientific articles and sources from international organizations, utilizing digital tools and virtual libraries, it was identified that epidemiological studies are divided into two major categories: observational and experimental. Observational studies include cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies, while experimental studies focus on clinical trials, where researchers implement specific interventions and analyze their effects on health. It was concluded that epidemiological studies are crucial for identifying risk factors and health conditions, allowing for the establishment of associations between behaviors, exposures, and specific characteristics with an increased risk of disease, which is essential for the implementation of effective public health prevention and control strategies.