Question 1

As a nation shifts from primarily rural-agricultural to urban-industrial, what changes are seen in the health profile of the nation?

Accepted Answer

As a nation shifts from primarily rural-agricultural to urban-industrial, there is typically an increase in access to healthcare, improved sanitation and hygiene, and a change in lifestyle factors such as increased sedentary behavior and consumption of processed foods. These factors contribute to an increase in chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, resulting in a shift in the leading causes of death from mostly infectious diseases to chronic diseases.

Question 2

What do studies on diet, exercise, and obesity suggest with respect to heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Studies consistently show that there is a strong link between dietary choices and the risk of developing heart disease. In particular, a diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been found to be beneficial. Exercise also plays a role in reducing the risk of heart disease, but it does not have to be lengthy or vigorous to be effective. Obesity is also a risk factor for heart disease, but it is not solely the result of individual choices and can have a genetic or environmental component.

Question 3

Germ theory provided a framework for understanding the causal agents of disease. What are the five agents recognized today?

Accepted Answer

The five agents recognized today as part of the framework for understanding the causal agents of disease, according to germ theory and its expansions, are biological, nutritional, chemical, physical, and social. These encompass a wide range of factors that can affect health, from pathogens (biological) and diet (nutritional) to toxins (chemical), environmental conditions (physical), and societal influences (social).

Question 4

The _____________ study was important for showing that arteriosclerosis does not strike people at random as they age, but that highly susceptible individuals can be identified in advance.

Accepted Answer

The Framingham study, which began in 1948, was a landmark longitudinal study tracking the health of residents of Framingham, Massachusetts. It was important for showing that risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity, were strongly correlated with the development of arteriosclerosis and related conditions. The study demonstrated that highly susceptible individuals could be identified in advance, and that preventative measures, such as lifestyle changes and medical treatment, could help reduce their risk of developing these diseases.

Question 5

_________________ has special significance for a society because it is traditionally used as an approximate indicator of a society's standard of living and quality of health care delivery.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _________________ has special significance for a society...

Question 6

What is NOT a factor in the increasing emergence of epidemics?

Accepted Answer

Increase in public sanitation is not a factor in the increasing emergence of epidemics. The other factors listed, such as an increase in international transportation channels and migration from rural to urban areas, have been linked to the spread of epidemics.

Question 7

Which of the following plays a particularly important role in the transmission of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Accepted Answer

The migrant labor force plays a particularly important role in the transmission of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa as many workers leave their homes to work in cities or other countries, leading to increased sexual activity and higher risk of infection. Additionally, migrant workers often lack access to healthcare and education about prevention methods, further contributing to the spread of the disease. The other options listed may also contribute to the transmission of AIDS, but the migrant labor force is a major factor in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Question 8

A scientist who studies the origin and distribution of all types of diseases is best described as a(n):

Accepted Answer

An epidemiologist is a scientist who studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. They investigate and analyze the spread and control of diseases such as COVID-19, Zika virus, and Ebola, among others. Epidemiologists aim to identify the risk factors and develop strategies to limit their impact on populations. Biochemists study the chemical processes and substances in living organisms, while social workers, demographers, and sociologists focus on different aspects of the social, demographic, and economic factors influencing health and disease.

Question 9

The lowest AIDS mortality rates for American males are found in:

Accepted Answer

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lowest AIDS mortality rates for American males are found in Asians.

Question 10

What is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than one-third of all deaths?

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for more than one-third of all deaths.

Question 11

A ratio, such as the crude mortality rate, is expressed as:

Accepted Answer

The crude mortality rate is calculated by dividing the total number of deaths in a population by the total population at risk during a specific time period. Therefore, choice C - total number of cases divided by total population is the correct option.

Question 12

At the end of 2007, the majority of AIDS cases in the U.S. were found in:

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2007, 46% of new AIDS diagnoses in the U.S. were among men who have sex with men (MSM). This group continues to be disproportionately affected by the disease.

Question 13

The science of epidemiology has passed through three eras and is entering a fourth. In what order did it pass through the first three eras?

Accepted Answer

The science of epidemiology has evolved through different eras, focusing initially on the Sanitary era, which dealt with improving general public health conditions. This was followed by the Infectious era, where the focus shifted to understanding and controlling infectious diseases. The third era was the Chronic era, which addressed chronic, non-communicable diseases.

Question 14

A researcher is interested in reporting how many people in a community were diagnosed with HIV during the past month. He/she would measure the:

Accepted Answer

Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition in a population over a specific period of time, in this case, the past month. Prevalence refers to the total number of cases of a disease or condition in a population at a specific point in time, which does not necessarily distinguish between new and old cases. Crude rate is a measure of the frequency of a disease or condition in a population, typically expressed as the number of cases per 1,000 or 100,000 people. Cases refer to individuals who have been diagnosed with a specific disease or condition. Age-specific rate is a measure of the frequency of a disease or condition in a specific age group of a population. In this case, the researcher is interested in new cases of HIV, which would be measured as incidence.

Question 15

Since 2000, the number of AIDS cases has sharply increased in what region of the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of AIDS cases has sharply increased in the Southern region of the United States since 2000.

Question 16

Whose investigations into cholera outbreaks established the foundation of modern epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

John Snow's investigations into cholera outbreaks in London in the mid-19th century are widely regarded as the foundation of modern epidemiology. His careful observations and mapping of cases led him to conclude that contaminated water was the source of the disease, and his work contributed to the development of public health measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. While other figures like Louis Pasteur made important contributions to microbiology and germ theory, Snow is particularly noted for his pioneering work in understanding the transmission of diseases and the importance of taking a data-driven approach to public health interventions.

Question 17

In epidemiology, a "case" refers to:

Accepted Answer

In epidemiology, a "case" refers to a single episode of a disorder, illness, or injury involving an individual.

Question 18

The primary focus of the epidemiologist is on:

Accepted Answer

Epidemiologists focus on health problems affecting social aggregates, such as communities or populations, and use statistical analysis to identify patterns and underlying causes of diseases. While they may also be involved in monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks, their primary focus is on understanding and improving overall population health.

Question 19

AIDS is transmitted in Africa and some parts of Asia primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Heterosexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission in Africa and some parts of Asia.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE about incidence and prevalence?

Accepted Answer

Incidence refers to the rate at which new cases of a specific disease occur in a certain population over a specific period of time. Prevalence, on the other hand, refers to the total number of cases of a specific disease in a given population at a specific point in time. Therefore, it is possible for a disease to have a high prevalence (i.e. many people are currently affected by it) while the incidence can be low (i.e. few new cases are being diagnosed).

Quiz 2: Epidemiology