This is a rigorous, systematic introduction to the basic concepts and practical tools of epidemiologic research. It is aimed at readers who will be conducting epidemiologic studies themselves or who need a firm grasp of epidemiologic principles in order to interpret and evaluate studies conducted by others. Besides offering clear descriptions of key concepts, the book is rich with examples illustrating how these concepts are applied.

1. Introduction: An Epidemic of Blindness in Young Children; 2. Diseases and Populations; 3. Disease Frequency: Basics; 4. Disease Frequency: Advanced; 5. Overview of Study Designs; 6. Sources of Data on Disease Occurrence; 7. Person, Place, and Time; 8. Inferring a Causal Relation Between Exposure and Disease; 9. Measures of Excess Risk; 10. Measurement Error; 11. Confounding and Its Control; 12. Ecologic Studies; 13. Randomized Trials; 14. Cohort Studies; 15. Case-Control Studies; 16. Induction Periods and Latent Periods; 17. Improving the Sensitivity of Epidemiologic Studies; 18. Screening; 19. Outbreak Investigation, Jane Koehler and Jeffrey Duchin; 20. Evaluating the Effects of Policies on Health

Studying the Occurrence of Illness Thomas D. Koepsell and Noel S. Weiss, both at School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington

"...a distinct perspective based on numerous years of teaching and research experience." --American Journal of Epidemiology