Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the focus of epidemiology?

1. The study of psychological health determinants

2. The study of economic contributions to public health

3. The study of the distribution of determinants of health and patterns of use and abuse

4. The investigation of criminal behaviors in relation to health

The correct answer is: The study of the distribution of determinants of health and patterns of use and abuse

The focus of epidemiology is primarily on understanding how health-related states or events are distributed in populations and the determinants that influence these patterns. This includes examining the prevalence and incidence of diseases, risk factors, and the impact of various determinants on health outcomes. By studying the distribution of determinants of health and patterns of use and abuse, epidemiologists can identify trends, evaluate interventions, and inform public health policies. This approach provides critical insights into how different factors, such as lifestyle choices, environmental influences, and genetic predispositions, affect the health of different populations. It essentially seeks to uncover the correlations between various factors and health outcomes to devise effective prevention strategies and health promotion initiatives. The other options do not encompass the broad scope of epidemiology. They focus on narrower aspects such as psychological health, economic factors, or criminal behaviors, which, while important, do not capture the comprehensive essence of epidemiological studies.