2. Classification of epidemiological study designs

2.2 Etiological epidemiology

One can also call it an epidemiology that is etiological or explanatory.

Its objectives are:

  • To identify the causes diseases in a population

  • To examine the role of factors that may influence the outbreak (or the incidence) of diseases :

    • Factors that increase the risk for a disease (e.g. smoking, age, etc.)

    • Factors that provide protection from disease (e.g. genetic factors, preventive behavior, vaccination, etc.).