In the context of community health, what does "epidemiology" study?

Epidemiology is fundamentally concerned with understanding the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. By studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events, epidemiologists can identify risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. This includes analyzing various factors such as geography, demographics, behaviors, and exposures to understand how these elements interact to affect health outcomes.

The emphasis on "distribution" addresses how illnesses are spread across different regions or populations, while "determinants" focuses on the underlying causes and contributing factors that lead to health issues. This comprehensive study is vital for developing public health policies, designing interventions, and responding to health crises effectively, making option C the correct answer.