Background
Background
Background (pronunciation: /ˈbakˌɡround/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe the underlying or initial conditions that may influence the course or outcome of a disease or condition.
Etymology
The term "background" originates from the Middle English words "back" and "ground", which together imply a foundation or basis. In the medical context, it refers to the foundational or underlying conditions or factors.
Related Terms
- Etiology: The study of the causes or origins of a disease.
- Pathogenesis: The development or progression of a disease.
- Prognosis: The likely course or outcome of a disease.
- Diagnosis: The identification of a disease or condition.
- Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, the term "background" is often used to describe the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and other factors that may influence their health. For example, a patient's background may include their genetic predisposition to certain diseases, their exposure to environmental factors, or their personal habits such as diet and exercise. This information is crucial in diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as in predicting their course and outcome.
In research, the background is the initial part of a study where the researchers describe the existing knowledge about the topic of study. This includes a review of previous studies, the current understanding of the topic, and the gaps in knowledge that the study aims to fill.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Background
- Wikipedia's article - Background
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