If an association is not causal, what are the other potential explanations?
- (causal link)
- reverse causation
- confounding factors
- bias
- Chance
EXAM: What is the prevention paradox?
A preventive measure which brings much benefit to the population often offers little to each participating individual
e.g. statins for primary prevention of CVD, wearing a seatbelt
EXAM (ILA): What is the population approach to prevention? give examples
The population approach is a preventative measure
delivered on a population wide basis and seeks to
shift the risk factor distribution curve
e.g. dietary salt reduction through legislation, working with the food industry and advice to the general public should shift the blood pressure distribution curve to the left
EXAM (ILA): what is the high risk approach to prevention? give examples
The high risk approach seeks to identify individuals above a chosen cut-off and treat them
e.g. QRISK2 –> if >10% = high risk and given statin
What is the amount of statin given as primary prevention and what is the criteria for giving it?
20mg (80mg for secondary prevention)
QRISK2: 10% risk or more of developing CVD