Social Epidemiology: Relevance, Approaches, Main Directions and Development Trends

Introduction: The search for common patterns of the spread of a number of infectious and noncommunicable diseases has led to a revision of approaches and an expansion of research in the field of specific pathogens, susceptibility of the human body and the society. The scientific area devoted to the influence of social organization on disease transmission is called social epidemiology.

Objective: To highlight current directions and trends in social epidemiology.

Materials and methods: Using the Google Scholar search platform, PubMed and eLibrary scientific databases, we selected and analyzed 28 foreign and 22 domestic publications, 36 of which were issued in 2014–2024. The selection was based on keywords. Epidemiological studies with small samples were not included.

Results: The article presents a comparative analysis of the Western and domestic approaches in social epidemiology and raises problems of the impact of inequality, stress, and state institutions on population health and morbidity. It also outlines current directions of social epidemiology research in the domestic and foreign approaches. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the epidemiology of infectious and noncommunicable diseases is an integral part of epidemiological surveillance. Empirical research within the framework of current areas of social epidemiology is actively conducted worldwide.

Conclusion: Social epidemiology allows comprehensive studies of the impact of economics, psychology, and sociology on the epidemic process, which is important for reducing damages caused by infectious and noncommunicable diseases.

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