Rothman’s causal model

Rothman’s causal model explains how different factors interact to cause disease. It views causation as a combination of multiple elements—like hosts (people), agents (causes like bacteria), and environments—that work together in a "web of causation." Rather than a single cause leading directly to disease, it emphasizes that various factors converge and influence each other, creating a chain of events. This perspective helps public health professionals identify multiple points for intervention, recognizing that disease often results from complex, interconnected influences rather than a single cause.