Epidemiology and biostatistics

Prevalence and incidence measures are often used in epidemiology and biostatistics. The measures are used to provide information regarding the total number of cases of a disease and the likelihood of a disease affecting a particular population. “Prevalence refers to the proportion of participants with a disease at a particular point in time” (Sullivan, 2012).

In contrast, “incidence reflects the likelihood of developing a disease among a group of participants free of the disease who are considered at risk of developing the disease over a specified observation period” (Sullivan, 2012). Combined, this information provides public health officials, such as epidemiologists, with cohesive information of the risk and impact of a disease.

Based on the module readings, respond to the following:

Explain the difference between prevalence and incidence measures.

Illustrate the difference between the prevalence, cumulative incidence, and incidence rate using an example or scholarly references.

What are some problems with estimating the cumulative incidence rate?

Write your initial response in 3–4 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.