Which statement best distinguishes vital records from disease registries in chronic disease epidemiology?

• A. Vital records track births, deaths, and causes; disease registries track all health outcomes.
• B. Vital records are collections of patient interviews; disease registries are administrative billing databases.
• C. Vital records track births, deaths, and causes; disease registries systematically collect data on specific diseases for surveillance and research.
• D. Vital records are the same as disease registries.

Answer: (C)