Why are Data Entry Mistakes Critical in Epidemiology?
Epidemiology relies on accurate data collection and analysis to understand the distribution and determinants of health and disease conditions in populations. Data entry mistakes can lead to incorrect conclusions, which in turn can affect public health policies and interventions. For example, misreporting the number of cases in an outbreak can lead to an underestimation or overestimation of the severity of the situation, impacting resource allocation and response strategies.