While counts are essential, they come with limitations:
1. Lack of Context: Counts alone do not provide information about the population size, which is necessary to calculate rates and ratios for more meaningful comparisons. 2. Variable Data Quality: Inconsistent reporting standards and data collection methods can affect the accuracy and reliability of counts. 3. No Risk Assessment: Counts do not consider the underlying risk factors or population demographics, which are crucial for understanding the full epidemiological picture.
