Which of the following best describes descriptive epidemiology?

Descriptive epidemiology is primarily concerned with examining the distribution of disease within populations. This involves gathering data on who is affected by a disease, where the disease occurs, and when it happens. By assessing factors such as age, gender, occupation, or geographic location, descriptive epidemiology helps to identify patterns and trends that can lead to further investigation into the causes of diseases.

This approach serves as a foundational step in public health by providing the necessary data to understand the context of health issues within different populations. It does not involve testing hypotheses or establishing cause-and-effect relationships, which is the domain of analytical epidemiology. Therefore, the emphasis of descriptive epidemiology lies in mapping and outlining the burden of health problems, enabling researchers and public health officials to formulate hypotheses that can be further explored through specific studies or interventions.