Biostatistics is the application of statistical knowledge to aid the interpretation of biological and public health related data. For research to provide scientific evidence, data should be correctly collected, analyzed and the findings interpreted. At this point, the role of biostatisticians becomes crucial because they engage in interdisciplinary collaborations through the research methodologies to reach a viable conclusion. In biomedical research, which encompasses public health, the study subjects respond differently when exposed to stimuli (such as treatment). Biostatistics then comes in to determine if the variation is causative or correlation mediated. In this case, application of a correct mathematical framework brings about the correctness and reproducibility of the research methodologies applied, and ultimately the validity of results obtained. Biostatistics also helps to determine peoples’ access to health services and access to preventive and emergency services.
The mission of public health is the assessment of problems related to health in populations as well as their extent, setting policies regarding the possible interventions from research findings and giving an assurance that the recommendations will be met. In public health, data come from observational studies, planned experiments (clinical trials) and carefully designed surveys of groups and populations. Good data is commonly produced from planned experiments and surveys because the assumptions made in the probability analysis are more likely to be true.