Epi Info (hereafter referred to as Epi Info) is a public domain database and statistics program
for use by public health officials (doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, etc.) managing databases
for public health activities, conducting outbreak investigations, and performing statistical
applications. Epi Info allows the user to develop a questionnaire, customize the data entry
process, enter data, and analyze the data. Statistics, graphs, tables, and maps can be
produced with simple commands. Epi Info is free, downloadable software provided by the
CDC (www.cdc.gov/epiinfo/). It can also be obtained on CD-ROM. This guide is designed for
use by persons who may only have basic computer skills and will only use this software
periodically, giving step-by-step instructions for basic tasks. This manual also attempts to
correlate Epi Info 2002 commands with those of the Epi 6 DOS version.
C. Why use Epi Info?
Epi Info allows for a database to be created, from which data can be analyzed in an easy
manner that spreadsheet programs (e.g. Microsoft Excel) cannot perform. For example, if you
want to calculate sums, means, and ranges, Excel will be sufficient. However, if you want to
calculate something more complicated, such as the number of males between the ages of 15
and 24 who answered no to question #17, then using Epi Info would be very practical. It is
easy to use in a wide range of questionnaire-based inquiries, such as satisfaction surveys,
community needs assessments, and program evaluations.
This manual will help new users easily maneuver through the most basic components of Epi
Info, such as:
• setting up data entry screens, called “Views”
• inserting codes to assist in checking the data entry process
• entering data and editing records
• performing simple data analyses.
