Fundamentals of Genetic Epidemiology

This text integrates the principles, methods and approaches of epidemiology and genetics in the study of disease aetiology. The authors define the central theme of genetic epidemiology as the study of the role of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental factors in the occurrence of disease in populations.

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Fundamentals of Genetic Epidemiology meets the need for a sophisticated approach to the investigation of the causes of complex chronic diseases. This integrated text describes the principles, methods, and approaches of epidemiology and genetics in the study of disease etiology. It provides an historical overview of genetics and epidemiology and their gradual rapprochement, describing the fundamental research strategies of genetic epidemiology including population and family studies. The authors also illustrate the increasing importance of genetic epidemiology in its application to preventive medicine, public health surveillance and the emerging ethical issues regarding the use of genetic information in society.