Epidemiology as the Foundation for Population and Men’s Health

Abstract

As you read this editorial, the United States health care community, citizens, and our international colleagues are dealing with both the seasonal influenza and H1N1 (swine flu). It seems as though the entire nation and international community is discussing influenza. Attention is being given to the number of cases, location of the cases, who has the illness, what is their age, gender, income status, what are the signs and symptoms, preventive measures needed, and how many have died from the flu. There is international awareness regarding influenza. Information can be located on the Internet Web sites dedicated to influenza, Facebook, Twitter, and email alerts. Up-to-date geographic maps and statistics can be accessed via iPhone applications. I would even propose that there is an international dialogue occurring with the utilization of advanced electronic media to present real-time information regarding the influenza epidemic/pandemic. Whether everyone is aware or not, what they are discussing is the epidemiology of the seasonal flu or H1N1 (swine flu). Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and health alterations within a population or community. Epidemiology is a core science for public health professionals and a foundational science for many other health disciplines such as medicine and nursing. Our acute awareness regarding the influenza and scare of potential influenza pandemic has solidified the essential nature and critical science of epidemiology to the prevention, control, and management of health and health alterations such as influenza. As men’s health professionals, we should use what has been learned from the international communication and awareness created regarding the epidemiology of influenza. In addition, we need to use lessons learned regarding communication about health alternations and prevention measures used to engage not only a national community but also an international one. As health care professionals focusing on men’s health, we need to ensure that we present the epidemiology of health states and health alterations that impact men. The epidemiology of the these men’s health or health alteration states should serve as the core foundation on which to create not only a national but international communication and dialogue about unique men’s health issues. Once again, epidemiology serves as the foundation for creating awareness, health education, and the basis for program planning and evaluation. Maximize the potential of epidemiologic data to communicate your emphasis on men’s health issues.