Question

Arrange the definition of epidemiology given by different authors in a chronological order starting from oldest to the latest definition.
A. That branch of medical science which treats epidemics (Parkin).
B. The study of disease, any disease, as a mass phenomenon (Greenwood).
C. The science of the mass phenomenon of infectious diseases (Frost).
D. The study of the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in man (MacMahon).

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. A, C, B, D
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. C, B, D, A

Hint:

Follow the conceptual expansion of epidemiology to find the chronological order:

Starts with \textbf{epidemics} (Parkin).
Becomes a science of \textbf{infectious diseases} (Frost).
Broadens to \textbf{any disease} (Greenwood).
Becomes a rigorous study of \textbf{distribution and determinants} (MacMahon).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Analyze the evolution of the definition of epidemiology. Step 1: The definition has evolved from a simple focus on epidemics to a comprehensive science of disease distribution and control in populations.

Oldest definitions: Focused narrowly on "epidemics," which were the most pressing public health issue.
Intermediate definitions: Broadened the scope to include all diseases, not just infectious ones, and introduced the concept of studying them as "mass phenomena."
Modern definitions: Are more precise, including key concepts like "distribution," "determinants," and "frequency" in specified populations.
Step 2: Place each definition in this evolutionary sequence.
Step 2:

(A) Parkin (1873): "treats epidemics." This is the oldest, most basic definition.
(C) Frost (early 20th C): "mass phenomenon of infectious diseases." Frost was a key figure who advanced the understanding of infectious disease dynamics. This is a logical next step from just "epidemics."
(B) Greenwood (early-mid 20th C): "any disease, as a mass phenomenon." Greenwood's contribution was to broaden the field beyond just infectious diseases to include chronic diseases as well. This is a progression from Frost's definition.
(D) MacMahon (1960): "distribution and determinants of disease frequency." This is the foundation of the modern, comprehensive definition used today, introducing the core analytical concepts of the field.
Step 3: Form the correct chronological order.
Step 3: The logical and historical progression is A \(\rightarrow\) C \(\rightarrow\) B \(\rightarrow\) D.