Overview of Analytic Epidemiology (Module 6)

Question 1

What is Analytic Epidemiology?

Answer 1

Focused on understanding the determinants (“exposures”) of health-related outcomes. WHY outcomes occur

Question 2

Epidemiologic Study Hypothesis

Answer 2

A statement that posits how exposure is associated with an outcome

Question 3

What is Unit of Analysis?

Answer 3

The “level” at which study data are analyzed. The individual if there is information about the exposure and outcome status for each individual in the study

Question 4

Experimental Epidemiologic Study Design

Answer 4

Controlled trials

Question 5

Observational Epidemiologic Study Designs

Answer 5

-Cohort studies
-Case-control studies
-Cross-sectional studies
-Ecologic studies

Question 6

Controlled Trial

Answer 6

Simple random assignment (“randomization”) is equivalent to assigning exposure by tossing a coin & is not based on patient or investigator preference
-Risk & rate based measures

Question 7

Cohort Study

Answer 7

Participants are classified by their exposure status, which is recorded (but not assigned) by the investigators. May be selected based on their group membership or based on their exposure
-Risk & rate based measures

Question 8

Case-Control Study

Answer 8

Study participants are selected and classified by their outcome status
-Odds Ratio (OR)

Question 9

Cross-Sectional Study

Answer 9

Exposure and outcome status are simultaneously measured. Existing cases of an outcome are measured at one point in time.
-Statistical measures

Question 10

Ecologic Study

Answer 10

The unit of analysis is at the group level (e.g., country, state). Exposure and outcome information are combined across defined groups