La otra transición epidemiológica: Hitos en el desarrollo de la epidemiología de los factores de riesgo en Colombia

The history of risk factor epidemiology is detailed as it emerged in Colombia as well as more recent developments. The origins of risk factor epidemiology are described in the context of the national health situation of the mid-20th century, when changes were occurring in the profiles of infectious and nutritional diseases in comparison to chronic diseases and traumatisms. The main achievements in the history of national risk factor epidemiology are described, including: The studies on endemic goiter, gastric and uterine cervical cancers, adverse effects of child undernourishment, and the institution of local health surveys. The important influence of the Rockefeller Foundation and the Pan American Health Organization on the epidemiology education in Colombia is highlighted. Finally, the main, currently active research lines in epidemiology are described. Investigative guidelines are suggested for future historians of Colombian public health and epidemiology.