Applied epidemiology Flashcards
What is the prevention paradox?
A preventive measure which brings much benefit to the population but little benefit to the individual
Two approaches for prevention paradox and give examples of each.
Which approach is best to address prevention paradox?
Population approach - dietary salt reduction through legislation/getting everyone to wear seatbelts
High-risk approach - screening for people with high blood pressure and treating them/prescribing statins for at risk patients
High-risk approach best to address prevention paradox
Identify and present numerical measures of association in written communication
i.e Absolute risk reduction is _ % reduction vs relative risk
Discuss the prevention paradox including using numbers to illustrate the paradox –>
Effectiveness of statins in reducing CVD risk
Relative risk 0.75 (95%CI 0.70-0.81)
Assume absolute risk of CVD for all people
needing statins is 10% within next 10 years
How many of the 4 mil people currently on statins
will be prevented from developing CVD?
What is the NNT?
4 mil –> 10% = 400,000
1/4 x 400,000 = 100,000 prevented
NNT = 1/ARR = 1/(0.25x0.10) = 40 people needed to treat to save 1 person from CVD