Foundations of Epidemiology

Reviewed by Ziyad Ben Taleb, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 3/25/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The content covered appears comprehensive, well-written, and appropriate for an introductory epidemiology course. It efficiently discusses fundamental epidemiological concepts such as the definition of epidemiology, measures of disease frequency (prevalence, incidence), and the distinction between individual and population-level perspectives, which are essential topics for students to grasp early in their studies. Additionally, the inclusion of a glossary, clickable definitions, and a useful appendix on reading epidemiologic studies make it a valuable learning tool.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is presented in an unbiased and precise manner, ensuring that students receive reliable and factual information. The authors have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the text, images, tables, and figures, which is further reinforced by the inclusion of case examples with links to the proper sources and with listing of references.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The book demonstrates high relevance by covering recent diseases and incorporating up-to-date information. However, to maintain its relevance, periodic updating is recommended to reflect the latest topics, trends, and developments in epidemiology. The book lacks coverage of important recent epidemiological topics such as the EVALI outbreak and COVID-19. To enhance its relevance, it requires updates to include these recent diseases and incorporate up-to-date information. While fundamental concepts remain timeless, the field constantly evolves, necessitating revisions to case examples, statistics, and discussions on emerging public health challenges or novel approaches. Regular updates will ensure students receive the most current knowledge and enhance the book's value as a resource for introductory epidemiology courses.

Clarity rating: 5

The text excels in clarity, explaining epidemiological and statistical terminology in simple, easy-to-understand language suitable for an introductory audience, aided by the integration of clickable definitions throughout.

Consistency rating: 5

The book maintains consistency in formatting and structure across chapters, featuring well-organized subheadings and a logical flow of topics, suitable for beginning epidemiology students. Furthermore, the inclusion of flow charts, graphs, and tables enhances its illustrative capacity, making it an excellent visual aid for comprehending complex concepts.

Modularity rating: 5

The book's modularity greatly facilitates navigation, enhancing accessibility and enabling efficient comprehension of its content. This structure fosters engagement and understanding.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization of topics in the text is logical and clear, making it easy for readers to follow and understand the content.

Interface rating: 4

The text's interface is smooth, free of navigation problems, with functional links and clear visuals, ensuring reader comprehension. Some links require updating to reflect more current sources, ensuring the text remains relevant and informative for readers.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

None noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text demonstrates cultural appropriateness by avoiding insensitivity or offense. It utilizes examples inclusive of diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, ensuring cultural relevance.

Comments

I recommend this book for introductory classes of epidemiology, and I recommend updating it to reflect current topics of epidemiology and recent trends (e.g. COVID-19, Monkey Box...etc.)

Reviewed by Jessica Cataldo, Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale on 1/31/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text is comparable to other introductory textbooks in this field, albeit more brief than other textbooks. Students who utilize this textbook will be exposed to the foundational concepts of epidemiology. Very good option for students with little to no background in the subject. Glossary is a useful tool that is also integrated throughout the text via clickable text. There is also a very useful appendix on how to read an epidemiologic study that helps students become better consumers of health information.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text contains several case examples with links to original data source, improving the presentation of unbiased data. Text, images, tables, and figures all appear to be accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Fundamental topics are straightforward and universal. Case examples may need updating depending on the external link longevity.

Clarity rating: 4

The author did a good job of explaining epidemiological and statistical terminology in as simple of terms as possible. The integration of definitions via clickable key words is a helpful learning tool for students. Simple examples given to illustrate concepts. Depending on the level of understanding of medical terminology of the students utilizing the textbook, there may be some terminology that students struggle to understand that is not defined (i.e. contraindicated, secondary to, etc.). Overall, the author provides a simple, easy-to-understand introduction to epidemiology.

Consistency rating: 5

Each chapter is organized in the same formatting and sequence, starting with learning objectives and a brief chapter introduction and ending with a summary of the chapter's content. Author did an excellent job of highlighting key information in callouts and/or with figures, tables, or examples throughout the chapter.

Modularity rating: 5

Text is broken into 11 chapters, each of which contains subheadings that could easily be assigned as reading. The chapters are presented in a way that a course instructor could also change the order of the chapters/readings without hindering the understanding of the presented concepts.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Chapters are all structure in a similar way. Topics included in the textbook are ordered in a logical manner to present the key fundamental concepts of epidemiology.

Interface rating: 5

No issues noted. Links worked and were active. Images are clearly presented with no distortion.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

No cultural insensitive noted. I think race has an important place in epidemiology that isn't really touched on in this text. Even examples of racial/ethnic disparities would be a good addition to highlight racial inequities in health.

Comments

Overall, this is a very strong introductory text to epidemiology. The author writes in a very straightforward manner that makes complex concepts easy to understand. Each chapter has relevant examples and images that enhance learning. I would adopt this textbook for my intro to epidemiology course!

Reviewed by Laura Link, Program Director, Radford University on 7/5/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Author does a good job of covering subject and provides excellent glossary.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Book is accurate and free from bias

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Text contains information about recent diseases.

Clarity rating: 5

The text explains concepts/definitions in language that is appropriate for an introductory text.

Consistency rating: 5

Good job

Modularity rating: 5

All chapters have subheadings

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Topics are presented in a logical fashion and explanations are appropriate for beginning epidemiology students.

Interface rating: 5

No issues found

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

None found

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Text is neither offensive nor discriminatory

Comments

The author did a very good job of describing, explaining, and defining the field of epidemiology for introductory students. Relative examples are provided and formulas are included for all calculations.