What does sensitivity in epidemiology refer to?

Sensitivity in epidemiology specifically refers to the ability of a diagnostic test to correctly identify individuals who actually have the condition, which is quantified as the proportion of true positives among those who truly have the disease. A high sensitivity means that the test is effective in detecting the condition and minimizes false negatives, ensuring that most people with the disease will receive a positive test result. This concept is crucial in epidemiological studies and public health, as it helps to identify cases early in a population, allowing for timely interventions and management of the disease. Understanding sensitivity is vital for evaluating the performance of screening tests and for making informed clinical decisions.