Which of the following is NOT a goal of epidemiology?

Epidemiology is focused on understanding the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations. Its goals are primarily centered around generating knowledge that can lead to better public health outcomes. Identifying health trends involves collecting and analyzing data on how diseases affect populations, which helps in recognizing patterns related to health issues. Preventing disease spread aims to implement strategies and interventions that reduce the transmission of diseases, whether through vaccination, education, or public health policies. Studying health conditions over time helps researchers understand the long-term effects of various factors on health, leading to informed health decisions and policies.

In contrast, prosecuting individuals or companies responsible for health issues falls outside the primary scope of epidemiology. While these actions may be pursued as a result of finding evidence of harm during epidemiological studies, the discipline itself is not directly concerned with legal repercussions but rather with understanding and improving population health through research and data analysis.