What is the primary focus of epidemiology?

The primary focus of epidemiology is tracking the incidence of communicable diseases. This field is concerned with the distribution and determinants of health-related states, including diseases, in specified populations. Epidemiologists collect and analyze data to understand how diseases spread, their frequency in various populations, and the risk factors associated with them. This involves identifying outbreaks, monitoring the spread of infectious diseases, and developing strategies to control or prevent these diseases.

While understanding mental health dynamics, evaluating dietary impact on health, and assessing emergency preparedness are important aspects of public health and can intersect with epidemiology, they are not the main focus of the discipline itself. Epidemiology's core mission is to provide data and insights that help manage and mitigate the impact of diseases within communities, especially those that are communicable.