What field of study focuses on how disease and injury occur in a population?

Epidemiology is the field of study that specifically investigates how diseases and injuries occur within populations. It examines the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events, providing insights into patterns and causes of health issues. By analyzing factors such as demographics, behaviors, and environmental influences, epidemiologists can identify risk factors and develop strategies for prevention and control. This discipline is crucial for informing public health policies and interventions aimed at improving overall population health.

While public health encompasses a broader focus on promoting health and preventing disease at a community level, clinical medicine pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of individuals rather than population-level patterns. Health informatics, on the other hand, deals with managing and analyzing health information, which supports public health and clinical practices but does not specifically study the occurrence of diseases in populations.