Department of nursing science

faculty of allied health science

school of postgraduate studies

ABU Zaria
NURS. 804 ( Advanced Epidemiology)
Computer Application in Epidemiological Studies
Presented By
Solomom Rimamchirika (P21AHNS8002)
Dahiru Rafatu (P21AHNS8001)
Lecturer:
Dr. H. M. Sani

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 Table of Contents
Introduction
Definition of computer
Epidemiology and Technology
Ways Computer Applications are used in Epidemiological
Studies
Public Health Informatics
Problems or constraints faced
Nurses Roles in Computer Application in Epidemiology
Conclusion
References.
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 INTRODUCTION

Epidemiology is defined as the study of the frequency,

distribution and determinants of diseases and health -
related states and events in human populations and the
application of this knowledge in control of these problems.
The major purpose of epidemiology is to obtain, interpret
and use health information to promote health and reduce
disease in a community.
There was a time when there was minimal role of
technology in public health and physicians only were the
sole caretakers and saviors of people Farooq I. A.(2013).

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 Conti…
Nowadays, technology is at its peak and there is a boom in
the availability of the computers to an extent that nearly
500 million computers are available throughout the world.
Computer applications play a crucial role in modern
epidemiological studies by enabling researchers to collect,
analyze, and interpret large volumes of data efficiently and
accurately.
These applications assist in various aspects of
epidemiological research, including study design, data
collection, data analysis, visualization, and communication
of findings.
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 Computer
A computer is a programmable electronic device that can
perform a variety of tasks by executing a sequence of
instructions or programs.
It processes input data through arithmetic and logical
operations, stores and retrieves information from memory, and
produces output based on the provided instructions.
Computers come in various forms, such as personal computers
(PCs), laptops, servers, mainframes, and smartphones.
They play a crucial role in modern society, enabling a wide
range of applications including calculations, data processing,
communication, entertainment, and more.

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EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

The major purpose of epidemiology is to provide data on which a rational

decision for the prevention and/or control of disease in animal population
can be based.
Contribution of epidemiology is providing information describing
frequency and distribution of health and disease, identifying factors
influencing the occurrence and severity of disease in the population of
concern and quantifying the interrelationships between health and disease.
Various measurements like disease frequency, morbidity rate, mortality
rate, proportional rates, variability rates, etc can be worked using the
computers for better prediction.
Statistical measures like Chi-square test, Student’s t-test can be done easily
by using the computers to measure the association of various factors for
epidemics of certain diseases.

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 Conti…
Similarly epidemiological measures like:
Relative risk (RR), Population relative risk (RR), Odds ratio (OR),
Population odds ratio (OR), for measuring the strength of the
disease incidence,
Attributable rate (AR), Attributable fraction (AF), Estimated AF
for measuring the effect of disease,
Population attributable rate (PAR), Population attributable fraction
(PAF), Estimated PAF for measuring the importance of prevention
in the population, can be performed by use of computers.
Instead of conducting epidemiological trial in live animal
population, computer simulation models can be developed to study
the course of the disease and its effect in the population.

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Disease surveillance
Disease surveillance projects are computer-based surveillance
systems, which are used for rapid transmission and analysis of
morbidity data.
The computer is a valuable tool in helping to analyze
epidemiological data that are collected through the infection
surveillance system.
Weekly data are analyzed by District Surveillance Units (DSU)
and State Surveillance Units (SSU) for disease trends, and
whenever there is a rising trend of illnesses, it is investigated by
the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to diagnose and control the
outbreak.

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 Conti…
Apart from this, various emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases, like influenza, and biological warfare, which poses a threat
to global health, are being rapidly contained with the help of disease
surveillance projects spreading throughout the country with the help
of computers.
Telemedicine The World Health Organization (WHO) defines
telemedicine as "The delivery of healthcare services, where distance
is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information
and communication technologies for the exchange of valid
information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and
injuries, research and evaluation and for the continuing education of
healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of
individuals and their communities.

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Health Management Information System (HMIS)
HMIS is the key component of any health program
and is defined as a tool that helps in gathering,
aggregating, analyzing, and using the information
generated for taking actions to improve performance
of health systems.
Web-based HMIS helps in; easy ggregation of data,
reduces workload on field staff, strengthens
decentralization, and hence, improves the planning
ability
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At the national level, it is primarily a tool of policy- and
strategy-making.
At the state and district level, it helps in program
monitoring and management.
At the sub-district level (primary health centre, and sub-
centre),
it facilitates effective registering and collation of data,
provision of data analysis tools,
generation of reports,
and development of indicators for comparison.
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 Conti…
Geographic Information System (GIS).
GIS is a computer-based information system that is used to digitally represent
and analyze the geographic features present on the Earth's surface and the
events (non-spatial attributes linked to the geography under study) that are
taking place on it.
GIS has been defined as "automated systems of software and hardware for the
capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display of spatial & non-spatial data.
GIS looks into social factors, biodiversity, engineering, land use, and
environmental considerations as a whole by using many aspects such as
cartography, statistical analysis, and database technology.
Sources of geographical data are digital maps, surveys using global
positioning system, routine health information system data, census data,
survey data, and data from other sectors.

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With the help of GIS, we can find out
Geographical distribution and variation of diseases
Analyze spatial and temporal trends; map populations at risk and stratify
risk factors
Document healthcare needs of a community and assess resource allocations
Forecast epidemics; identify gaps in immunizations; plan and target
interventions
Monitor diseases and interventions over time
Manage patient care environments, materials, supplies, and human
resources; monitor the utilization of health centers
Route health workers, equipments, and supplies to service locations; publish
health information using maps on the internet; and locate the nearest health
facility.

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 Conti…
Electronic Medical Records
Paper-based medical record system had many weaknesses
including illegible handwriting, incomplete data, unsafe and non-
confidential, and poor availability whereas use of Electronic
Medical Records (EMR) is a secure and confidential method of
keeping records.
With an aim to modernize the health system by inculcating and
promoting the use of health information technology, it helps in
collecting complete information about individual patients
including registration, clinical record, laboratory, and imaging.
Computerization of patient records has increased at a high rate,
and this trend is likely to continue.

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Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) is one of the most recent
examples of use of Electronic Health Record System implemented for
providing incentives to mothers who deliver in hospitals
EMR also allows tracking of patients requiring follow up e.g., human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.
It also allows management of diseases requiring long treatments e.g.,
multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-
resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
Apart from this, it also helps clinicians and public health professionals
and workers to provide comprehensive care to individuals because of
the strong search and record-keeping ability of this system.

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 Ways Computer Applications are used in
Epidemiological Studies
Study Design and Protocol Development:
Computer software helps researchers design epidemiological studies by
optimizing sample sizes, randomization, and allocation strategies.
Statistical power calculations and simulation tools aid in determining the
appropriate sample size to detect meaningful associations.
Software assists in developing standardized study protocols and questionnaires.
Data Collection and Management:
Electronic data capture (EDC) systems streamline data collection, reducing
errors and improving data quality.
Mobile apps and online surveys enable efficient remote data collection and real-
time monitoring.
Data management tools organize, clean, and validate data, ensuring consistency
and accuracy.

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 Conti…
Statistical Analysis and Modeling:
Statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, Python) is used to analyze data, calculate
incidence rates, prevalence, odds ratios, and other epidemiological measures.
Complex statistical models (e.g., regression analysis, survival analysis) are
employed to assess relationships between variables and adjust for
confounding factors.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software helps analyze spatial
patterns and disease clustering.
Visualization and Data Interpretation:
Data visualization tools create graphs, charts, and maps to represent
epidemiological trends and patterns.
Interactive dashboards provide a visual overview of key findings, allowing for
easy exploration and interpretation of data.

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Outbreak Investigation and Surveillance:
Computer algorithms and machine learning techniques assist
in early detection of disease outbreaks by analyzing patterns
and anomalies in surveillance data.
Real-time data processing and visualization tools aid in
monitoring and responding to emerging public health threats.
Genomic Epidemiology:
Bioinformatics tools analyze genetic and genomic data to
study disease transmission, evolution, and resistance patterns.
Phylogenetic analysis helps trace the origin and spread of
pathogens.

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Predictive Modeling and Risk Assessment:
Computer models predict disease spread, evaluate interventions, and
estimate the impact of control measures.
Risk assessment tools identify populations at higher risk and guide
targeted interventions.
Communication and Reporting:
Computer applications facilitate the creation of reports, presentations, and
scientific publications summarizing study findings.
Online platforms and social media enhance communication of research
results to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Collaboration and Data Sharing:
Cloud-based platforms enable collaboration among researchers across
different locations, facilitating data sharing and analysis.

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PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS
Public health informatics is a branch and profession that
applies mathematics, engineering, information science, and
related social sciences (e.g., decision analysis) for analysis
and management of important public health problems and
processes.
Has been defined as the systematic application of
information and computer science and technology to public
health practice, research, and learning.
Public health informatics professionals work to disperse
advice on public health goals faster, better, or at a lower
cost by using computer science and Informatics.
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 Problems or constraints faced
Procedural Repetition of general
Excessive information information
Encryption/hidden issues Inappropriate
Exhaustive information, forms/cards/reports
seldom used. Less interest of users in
Overburden of collection information
and recording of data along Time consuming procedure
with General health care. Confusing coding, long list
Incomplete, unreliable and of indices
intentionally managed Absence of feedback to
information information suppliers.
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Structural Related to content
Multiplicity of Mostly service
institutions and utilization statistics.
departments Only summarized
Fragmentation of data. information reaches at
Lack of infrastructural higher level.
facilities for storage and Less emphasis on
maintenance of records. socioeconomic
information.
No user friendly.
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 Conti…
Human resource Technological
Absence or lack of skilled Much manual paper
medical record professionals
based system.
Lack of opportunity for in
service training for the staff. Absence or lack of
Health care computerized data base
providers/nurses/biomedical system
trained persons are collecting
and preparing data.
Lack of motivation/extra
incentives

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 Nurses Roles in Computer Application in
Epidemiology
Nurses play important roles in utilizing computer applications in the
field of epidemiology to enhance healthcare practices, disease
surveillance, and public health management. Some of their key roles
include:
Data Collection and Entry: Nurses often collect and input patient
data into electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital systems.
This data can include patient demographics, medical histories,
symptoms, and test results, which are crucial for epidemiological
analysis and tracking disease trends.
Surveillance and Monitoring: Nurses can use computer applications
to track and monitor disease outbreaks, patterns, and trends within
healthcare facilities and communities. This helps in identifying
potential epidemics or clusters of cases promptly.

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Reporting: Nurses contribute to epidemiological reporting by
entering accurate and timely data into surveillance systems. This data
is used by public health agencies to assess the spread of diseases,
plan interventions, and allocate resources effectively.
Outbreak Investigation: During disease outbreaks, nurses work
alongside epidemiologists to gather information about affected
individuals, conduct contact tracing, and provide insights into
potential sources of infection. Computer applications help streamline
this process and improve data accuracy.
Decision Support: Computer applications provide nurses with real-
time information and decision support tools, helping them make
informed clinical decisions based on the latest epidemiological data
and guidelines.

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Health Education and Communication: Nurses can use computer
applications to create and disseminate educational materials about
disease prevention, hygiene practices, and vaccination campaigns to
the public, contributing to community health awareness.
Research and Analysis: Nurses may engage in epidemiological
research by analyzing patient data and outcomes, contributing to the
broader understanding of disease patterns, risk factors, and treatment
effectiveness.
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: With the rise of telehealth,
nurses can remotely monitor patients' health conditions using digital
devices and applications. This data can be integrated into
epidemiological systems to track and manage chronic diseases or
emerging health concerns.

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Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: Nurses collaborate
with epidemiologists, physicians, data analysts, and other healthcare
professionals to interpret and apply epidemiological findings in
patient care and public health strategies.
Quality Improvement: Nurses contribute to improving healthcare
quality by using computer applications to track and evaluate patient
outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and implement evidence-
based practices.
Overall, nurses' involvement in computer applications within
epidemiology strengthens disease surveillance, facilitates data-driven
decision-making, and enhances public health interventions,
ultimately contributing to better patient care and community well-
being.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, computer applications have revolutionized

epidemiological studies by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and the
depth of analysis, thereby contributing to improved public health
decision-making and disease control.
Nowadays, computers are available at much cheaper and affordable
prices.
Their use has increased efficiency and reduced human errors.
Apart from providing regular updated information and streamlining
medical education and health care, computers do play an indispensable
role in administration and management via regular and timely updates
and through availability of its world wide web.
Better health surveillance systems would help decision makers to detect
and control emerging and endemic health problems.

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 REFERENCES

Farooq I. A.(2013), Application of computers in Epidemiology. SlideShare from

Scribd
Hacek M. D. et al (2014), Computer-assisted surveillance for detecting clonal
outbreaks of nosocomial infection. PMID: 15004070 PMCID: PMC356876
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.42.3.1170-1175.2004
Khapre S. M. (2021), Short notes in Community Medicine, third edition PVD.
Park K. (2020), Park textbook of preventive and Social Medicine, 24th edition
geographic information system in public health bikram-190426111355.
Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology 21:339–362 Standard
electronic health record (EHR) framework for Indian healthcare system |
SpringerLink
Application of GIS in public health in India (2016), A literature-based review,
analysis, and recommendations - PubMed (nih.gov) Indian J Public Health.;
60(1):51-8. doi: 10.4103/0019-557X.177308.

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