Inner Cover, Acknowledgments, Preface, Foreword, Dedication
ข้อมูลทางบรรณานุกรมของหอสมุดแห่งชาติ
วิทย์ วิชัยดิษฐ
Epidemiology: An Introduction with a Focus on Behavioral Health.–พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 1.–ออนไลน์,
กุุมภาพันธ์ 2568.
- Epidemiology. 2. ระบาดวิทยา. I. ชื่อเรื่อง
ISBN: 978-2-573-33274-0
National Library of Thailand Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wichaidit, Wit, 1983- author.
Epidemiology: An Introduction with a Focus on Behavioral Health.–First edition.–Online, February 2025
- Epidemiology. 2. ระบาดวิทยา. I. Title
ISBN: 978-2-573-33274-0
Epidemiology: An Introduction with a Focus on Behavioral Health by Wit Wichaidit is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
Download for free at https://oercommons.org/
The online version of this book was produced with Pressbooks (https://pressbooks.com)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Countless people have helped me on my journey to become an epidemiologist; thus, this list should not be considered exhaustive by any means. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the following people:
- All participants in all studies I have conducted over the years. You have taught me so much about science and the human experience. Thank you.
- All research assistants and supporting staff who have supported my studies. Without you, none of this would have been possible. I am grateful.
- The students for whom I tutored, taught, and supervised during my doctoral studies and now as a faculty member. Thank you for teaching me to be a better teacher and person.
- My mentors and colleagues at the Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, particularly Prof. Dr. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Prof. Dr. Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Prof. Dr. Tippawan Liabsuetrakul, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rassamee Chotipanvithayakul. I have learned so much about epidemiology and life from you all.
- My mentors and professors at the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). In particular, I wish to thank Research Prof. Pavani Kalluri Ram, Research Prof. Michael J. LaMonte, Assoc. Prof. Matthew R. Bonner, Prof. Jo L. Freudenheim, Assoc. Prof. Katarzyna Kordas, Assoc. Prof. Lina Mu, Assoc. Prof. Heather M. Ochs-Balcom, Clinical Assist. Prof. Carole B. Rudra, Assoc. Prof. Amy E. Millen., and Research Assist. Prof. Heather A. Lindstrom. You have greatly influenced how I think, do, and teach epidemiology. None of what I do today would be possible without your support.
- My supervisors and instructors from the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, particularly Prof. Emeritus Dr. Jaranit Kaewkungwal and the late Mr. Irwin F. Chavez from the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University. Thank you for introducing me to the world of epidemiology.
- Dr. Vorasith Sornsrivichai from the Public Policy Institute, Prince of Songkla University, for being the first person to introduce me to PSU.
- My editor for this book, Ariane Laurent-Smith, for her impressive attention to detail and dedication to this project. Ariane, thanks to you, this book is now much easier to read! 🙂
- Lastly, my friends and family. Thank you for the support and encouragement over the course of writing this book and for being a part of my life.
PREFACE
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of health outcomes and their determinants, and the application of such knowledge to improve public health. Essentially, epidemiologists measure and count phenomena in a given population. Epidemiology is an exercise in counting and questioning what is being counted. Since public health deals with health problems among humans and human nature is complicated, counting the number of human beings with health issues and various traits or behaviors with limited resources and time at our disposal is equally complicated.
One domain of health science is behavioral health, a broad field that encompasses mental health, alcohol and substance use disorders, and health behaviors, as well as their determinants and consequences. These issues are complicated, and the associated legal and social sensitivities make behavioral health epidemiology even more challenging. The author wrote this book to share the author’s perspectives and (rather limited) experience in epidemiology with a focus on behavioral health. At the end of certain chapters, there are practical exercises in data analytics. The data sets and supporting materials necessary to engage in these practical exercises are included in the Appendix.
This book is intended as an introductory-level textbook for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate students. However, the author hopes that the content of this book will be useful for medical students and professionals in public health, as well as those who are interested in public health data analytics. The author also hopes that the materials in this book, particularly those pertaining to measurements, confounding, and bias, can be of use to those who wish to be more inquisitive and question the world around them.
Wit Wichaidit
July 2024
FOREWORD
It is an honor to write this foreword for Dr. Wit Wichaidit’s book. Over the past ten years of working with him at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, I have seen the incredible difference he has made, especially in improving public health in southern Thailand. I am deeply grateful to Professor Dr. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong for bringing Dr. Wit to our faculty, as his work has had a significant impact on our team and the community.
Dr. Wit’s passion for epidemiology and public health is inspiring. He is fully dedicated to improving health in Thailand and around the world. He works on every project with honesty, hard work, and a genuine desire to make a difference. As a colleague and brother, I truly admire his professionalism and dedication.
This book reflects Dr. Wit’s expertise and vision. It explores important topics in epidemiology, such as confounding, measurement, and study design, while also addressing emerging areas like financial epidemiology and LGBTQIA health. With practical examples and exercises, this book will be an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in public health.
Dr. Wit has inspired me and many others through his work and character. I am confident that this book will inspire its readers as well. It is a testament to his commitment to creating a healthier and better world.
Assoc. Prof. Polathep Vichitkunakorn, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
DEDICATION
To my mother and my wife, for their unconditional support, love, and encouragement.
