Citation

Matranga D, Bono F, Maniscalco L. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021; 18(7).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/ijerph18073549

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The key role of statistical modeling in epidemiology and public health is unquestionable. The methods and tools of biostatistics are extensively used to understand disease development, uncover the etiology, and evaluate the development of new strategies of prevention and control of the disease. Through data analysis, epidemiology can steer decision-making processes, guide health and healthcare policy, and plan and assist in the management and care of health and disease in individuals. The growing availability of large healthcare databases allows drawing new evidence in the use of healthcare interventions, drugs, and devices, and in the knowledge of population health and health inequality. Clinical decisions grounded on evidence of efficacy and safety of medical interventions can contribute to prolonging people's lives, improving their quality, and promoting appropriateness [1].

The present Special Issue focuses on statistical methods applied to epidemiology and public health. It is advisable to enlarge the evidence-based approach to a value-based approach by including the quality and the costs dimensions from both the demand and the supply of healthcare services [2]. Thus, particular attention has also been given to the evaluation and the cost-effectiveness of procedures and services. This special issue includes twelve articles from research teams worldwide, specifically Belgium, Spain, China, Canada, Austria, and Romania, apart from Italy. These studies focus on epidemiology, public health, and health promotion [3,4,5,6], suggest appropriate statistical methodologies for specific research questions [7,8,9,10,11], and analyze the quality of services provided to patients...

Language: en