Which field studies the distribution and determinants of health-related states?

Epidemiology is the field that primarily focuses on studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in populations. It involves understanding how diseases spread, what factors contribute to health outcomes, and how to control and prevent health issues in communities. Epidemiologists collect and analyze data to identify patterns and causes of health-related conditions, enabling public health officials to implement effective interventions.

The study of health psychology typically revolves around how psychological factors impact health and behavior rather than the broader population patterns of health and disease. Public health encompasses a wider range of topics, including policy, education, and health promotion, but epidemiology specifically addresses the statistical study and analysis of health-related states. Biostatistics provides the statistical methods necessary for analyzing epidemiological data but does not itself investigate the distribution of health states. Thus, epidemiology is distinct in its focused examination of health determinants and their distribution across populations.