[Use of the major components methods in epidemiological studies].

When multifactorial processes are analyzed, it is most rational to use the methods of multidimensional statistical analysis, including the major components methods. This method is rather new in epidemiological surveys. Its advantage is that it may be used to get information that is difficult derived by other ways. Noteworthy is the versatility of the method, which lies in that the problems of analysis, prediction, and classification (stratification) of temporal series are solved by using actually the same techniques. How to apply the major components method are considered by using an example of investigating the general trends in the development of an epidemic tuberculous process in a specific area. Statistical data on tuberculosis morbidity in the areas of the Novosibirsk Region were employed as the initial material.