Economic epidemiology

Economic Epidemiology

Economic epidemiology (pronounced: ee-koh-nom-ik eh-pi-dee-me-ol-uh-jee) is a branch of epidemiology that applies economic theory and methods to the study of health-related behaviors and outcomes. The term is derived from the Greek words "oikonomia" meaning household management, "epi" meaning upon, "demos" meaning people, and "logos" meaning study.

Economic epidemiology is a multidisciplinary field that combines the principles of economics, public health, and epidemiology to understand the economic factors that influence the spread and control of infectious diseases. It is particularly relevant in the context of global health, where economic factors can have a significant impact on the spread of diseases across borders.

History

The field of economic epidemiology has its roots in the 19th century, when economists and epidemiologists began to recognize the interplay between economic conditions and health outcomes. The term "economic epidemiology" was first used in the late 20th century to describe this emerging field of study.

Key Concepts

Economic epidemiology is based on several key concepts, including:

Cost-effectiveness analysis: This is a method used to compare the costs and health effects of different interventions to determine which one provides the best value for money.

Health economics: This is the study of how health care resources are allocated, including the production and distribution of health and health care services.

Infectious disease modeling: This involves using mathematical models to understand the spread of infectious diseases and the impact of interventions.

Applications

Economic epidemiology has a wide range of applications, including:

Pandemic planning: Economic epidemiology can help policymakers understand the potential economic impact of a pandemic and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources.

Health policy: Economic epidemiology can inform health policy by providing insights into the cost-effectiveness of different interventions.

Global health: Economic epidemiology can help to understand the economic factors that influence the spread of diseases across borders.

Economic epidemiology