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Does risk factor epidemiology put epidemiology at risk? Peering into the future
1Columbia University, Sergievsky Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|February 19, 1999
Summary
The traditional epidemiology model is becoming outdated. A new multilevel approach integrating molecular and global data may offer a more comprehensive understanding of health and disease, strengthening public health connections.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Systems Science
Background:
- The current
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a shift from the traditional single-level "black box" paradigm in epidemiology.
- To explore the potential of a multilevel ecoepidemiology framework.
- To address the fragmentation of epidemiology into specialized disciplines and weakening public health links.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of current epidemiological paradigms.
- Identification of emerging trends: molecular epidemiology and global information systems.
- Proposal of a multilevel ecoepidemiology model.
Main Results:
- The limitations of the current risk factor era paradigm are increasingly apparent.
- Molecular epidemiology and global information systems epidemiology are emerging as dominant, potentially segregating disciplines.
- The connection between epidemiology and public health is weakening.
Conclusions:
- A multilevel ecoepidemiology approach offers a unifying framework.
- This integrated approach can bridge the gap between specialized epidemiological disciplines.
- Ecoepidemiology can potentially strengthen the links with public health interests.
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