Epidemiology. An introduction: K J Rothman. Oxford University Press, 2002. (Pp 223; price not stated). ISBN: 0-19-513553-9 (hardback); 0-19-513554-7 (paperback).

Abstract

2nd ed. Across the last forty years, epidemiology has developed into a vibrant scientific discipline that brings together the social and biological sciences, incorporating everything from statistics to the philosophy of science in its aim to study and track the distribution and determinants of health events. A now-classic text, the second edition of this essential introduction to epidemiology presents the core concepts in a unified approach that aims to cut through the fog and elucidate the fundamental concepts. Rather than focusing on formulas or dogma, the book presents basic epidemiologic principles and concepts in a coherent and straightforward exposition. By emphasizing a unifying set of ideas, students will develop a strong foundation for understanding the principles of epidemiologic research. Introduction to epidemiologic thinking -- Pioneers in epidemiology and public health -- What is causation? -- Measuring disease occurrence and causal effects -- Types of epidemiologic studies -- Infectious disease epidemiology -- Dealing with biases -- Random error and the role of statistics -- Analyzing simple epidemiologic data -- Controlling confounding by stratifying data -- Measuring interactions -- Using regression models in epidemiologic analysis -- Epidemiology in clinical settings.