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Epidemiological Methods for Determining Potential Occupational Health and Illness Issues

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Handbook of Occupational Health and Wellness

Part of the book series: Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability ((SHHDW))

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Abstract

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases and injuries in human populations (Houghton Miffline Company, 2011). Disease does not develop randomly, and all individuals are not equally likely to develop a specific disease at a given time. The risk of developing a disease is therefore different for each individual and, isotypically, a function of his or her personal characteristics (inheritance) and their surroundings (environment). Epidemiology is often used in the occupational setting to determine causation (and hence financial responsibility), or to direct prevention programs. The epidemiological literature on occupational disorders is often confusing because of conflicting evidence on the importance of various potential risk factors. This chapter describes basic epidemiologic methods so the reader can learn to evaluate and critically analyze the published literature on occupational disorders.

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Acknowledgment

Funding was provided by The Hand Center, Wichita, KS. As part of the grant/funding, the information contained becomes public domain after 3 years from the date of publication and the authors retain the right to use these materials in continuing education programs and future works without additional written approval as long as appropriate acknowledgement of the source is provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Hand Center, 625 N Carriage Parkway Suite 125, Whichita, KS, 67208, USA

    J. Mark Melhorn M.D. & Shirley Seaman P.A.-C.

  2. Bellevue, WA, USA

    Charles N. Brooks M.D.

Authors
  1. J. Mark Melhorn M.D.
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  2. Charles N. Brooks M.D.
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  3. Shirley Seaman P.A.-C.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Mark Melhorn M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, S. Nedderman Drive 501, Arlington, 76019-0528, Texas, USA

    Robert J. Gatchel

  2. , Dept of Educational and Counseling Psych, University of British Columbia, Main Hall 2125, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada

    Izabela Z. Schultz

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Melhorn, J.M., Brooks, C.N., Seaman, S. (2012). Epidemiological Methods for Determining Potential Occupational Health and Illness Issues. In: Gatchel, R., Schultz, I. (eds) Handbook of Occupational Health and Wellness. Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4839-6_22

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