What field studies the distribution and determinants of health-related states in specified populations?

Epidemiology is the field that focuses on studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. It examines how diseases and health outcomes are influenced by various factors, including biological, social, environmental, and behavioral determinants. Epidemiologists collect and analyze data to identify patterns and causes of health issues within groups, which is vital for public health planning and intervention strategies.

This discipline is crucial for understanding how to control and prevent diseases, as it helps to identify risk factors and populations at higher risk. For instance, through epidemiological studies, public health officials can determine the spread of infectious diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination programs, or assess the impacts of social determinants on health outcomes.

In contrast, the other fields mentioned do not focus on population health in the same way. Entomology studies insects, microbiology deals with microorganisms, and pharmacology is concerned with the effects and uses of drugs. Each of these areas has its own specific importance, but they do not engage directly with the distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations as epidemiology does.