Public health research examines the environmental, genetic, and social health determinants that influence population health. This research cuts across various types of data; is multidisciplinary; and analyzes population samples including biological factors, biostatistics, epidemiology, and genetics. This allows researchers to identify characteristics that contribute to the prevalence of population health trends, such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
Ultimately, the goal of public health research is to help prevent major public health crises from occurring, and when they do occur, to help mitigate their impact while also reducing the risk of recurrence. Additionally, researchers strive to promote healthcare equity, accessibility, and affordability.
Public health research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise from fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, sociology, psychology, health policy, and environmental health. By employing rigorous research methods, public health researchers contribute to the generation of evidence-based knowledge that informs public health practice and improves population health outcomes.