What Role Do Data and Statistics Play in Epidemiology?

Data and statistics are fundamental to epidemiology. They enable epidemiologists to quantify the occurrence of health-related events, identify patterns and trends, and test hypotheses. Biostatistics is a key discipline that provides the mathematical foundation for analyzing health data. Epidemiologists use statistical methods to calculate measures of association, such as relative risk and odds ratio, and to assess the significance of their findings. Accurate data collection and analysis are essential for drawing valid conclusions and making evidence-based decisions.