29. INTRODUCTION TO CONFOUNDING Flashcards
1
Q
- Other than Chance and Bias, what is another kind of parameter that may introduce error?
A
- Confounding
IT EXISTS:
- even when we aim to minimise errors that are caused
by Bias or Chance
2
Q
- What is Confounding inherently linked with?
A
- it is inherently linked with the Multifactorial Nature of
diseases
3
Q
- What happens when a specific Outcome has several Exposures?
A
- we cannot just focus and consider one independently
- we have to analyse a specific Exposure while taking
into consideration the effects of all the other ones
4
Q
- Provide a definition for Confounding.
A
- this is a third factor
- known as a Confounder
IT EXPLAINS:
- all or part of the association
- between an exposure and an outcome
5
Q
- What are the 3 criteria that a Potential Confounder needs to fulfil?
A
- IT HAS TO BE ASSOCIATED
- with the Outcome of interest - IT HAS TO BE ASSOCIATED
- with the Exposure of interest
- IT SHOULD NOT LIE IN THE CAUSAL PATHWAY
- this exists between the Exposure and the Outcome
6
Q
- When can a Factor not be a Confounder in a specific association?
A
IF THE FACTOR:
- is associated with the outcome
- IS NOT associated with the exposure
IF THE FACTOR:
- is associated with the exposure
- IS NOT associated with the outcome
7
Q
- What is a Mediator?
A
THIS IS WHEN A FACTOR:
- is associated with the Outcome
- it associated with the Exposure
- lies in the Causal Pathway between the two
THE FACTOR IS THEN NOT A CONFOUNDER:
- it is a Mediator
8
Q
- Label the missing Mediators in these scenarios.
A
- BLOOD PRESSURE
- an increase in salt intake increases blood pressure
- an increase in blood pressure increases the chance of
having a stroke - INSULIN SENSITIVITY
- a decrease in physical activity increases insulin
sensitivity
- an increase in insulin sensitivity increases the chance
of having Type 2 Diabetes - BLOOD CHOLESTEROL
- an increase in obesity increases the blood cholesterol
- an increase in blood cholesterol increases the chance
of having CVD
