We Need Epidemiological Study from Our Own Population

Abstract

Epidemiological data is a valuable source for decision-making in a clinical setting or from a public health perspective. It serves not only direct purposes by supporting evidence-based treatment but also indirectly contributes to guidelines and policies in healthcare services. Currently, there remains a pressing need for further epidemiological or population-based studies to be conducted in Indonesia. The availability of health data and information specifically from the Indonesian population is still limited and highly sought after. It is common for us to depend on epidemiological data from foreign countries, but this practice can introduce bias into our decision-making process due to the disparities between their conditions and our own.Indonesia possesses a distinct socio-demographic and health landscape, setting it apart from other countries. The diverse range of diseases, risk factors, healthcare access, health equity, and geographical characteristics all contribute to the uniqueness and variability of health problems within the nation. Specific regions across the Indonesian archipelago encounter health issues that are distinct to their locations. Infectious diseases, particularly tropical diseases, and nutrient deficiencies continue to present significant challenges in numerous provinces throughout Indonesia. Variations are observed across different areas and timeframes of study. These dynamic and variable factors make population studies particularly intriguing. It is the responsibility of clinicians, researchers, and epidemiologists to delve into the intricacies of the population and study its health problems comprehensively.