Statistical assessment of association between potential risk factors and diseases using risk (Statistics)

Question 1

Define risk

Answer 1

Probability of an event occurring

Question 2

Define absolute risk and its clinical use

Answer 2

Magnitude of risk in a group of people with a certain exposure.

Does not take into account the risk of the non exposed group, no comparison is made

USE- can be useful for decision making. For example a mother exposed to a teratogen might like to know the risk of her baby being born with an abnormality.

Question 3

Define attributable risk

Answer 3

Excess risk due to exposure

The amount of incidence attributable to the exposure

ATTRIBUTABLE RISK = INCIDENCE/ABSOLUTE RISK EXPOSED - INCIDENCE/ABSOLUTE ROSK UNEXPOSED

Also attributable risk reduction when something is protective e.g. early onset asthma is protective of CVD

USE - Selecting modifiable risk factors to target in lifestyle changes

Question 4

Define Relative Risk/risk ratio

Answer 4

Probability of an outcome occurring in exposed group compared to the unexposed

More than 1 = risk increased due to exposure

1 = same

Less than 1 = risk decreased (protective)