Causality Flashcards
You should be able to: 1. Explain what is meant by a cause-effect relationship in an epidemiological context 2. Recognise that associations may be present in the absence of a true cause-effect relationship 3. Evaluate the strength of evidence in favour of a cause-effect relationship 4. Describe how to distinguish causal from non- causal associations
1
Q
Define ‘cause’ in terms of the cause and effect relationship.
A
Exposure or factor that increases the probability of disease (exposures don’t have to be NECESSARY and SUFFICIENT to be important)
2
Q
What is the aim of establishing a cause and effect relationship?
A
Use knowledge gained to remove, avoid and protect against harmful factors
3
Q
Give some examples of exposure which are neither necessary/ nor always sufficient for the disease. (Eg liver cirrhosis)
A
- alcohol consumption–> liver cirrhosis
- ionising radition–> leukaemia
- smoking tobacco–> heart disease
- traffic speed–> pedestrian injury
