M8: epidemiology Flashcards
(12 cards)
what is epidemiology?
The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health conditions of particular populations. Patterns are analysed determine cases, risk factors, and preventative measure regarding various diseases, infectious and non infectious.
what is correlation?
Correlation means there is a relationship or pattern between the values of two variables
what is causation?
Causation means that one event causes another event to occur. Causation can only be determined from an appropriately designed experiment.
what is accuracy?
An experiment is considered accurate when its measurements are close to the true value – for this to be achieved, the risk of error in measurement must be kept to a minimum.
what is reliability
Experiments are considered reliable when they can be repeated to give the same results and random error is eliminated or minimised.
what is validity?
Experiments are considered valid when scientists test the hypothesis that they intended to test and get consistent and accurate results when repeated. A valid experiment involves setting up controls and making sure that the only thing that changes in the experiment is the variable being tested. All other conditions must be controlled to remain the same.
how does crispr work?
The CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme works by snipping DNA at a particular base and attaching it to a ‘guide’ RNA. The guide RNA then targets a specific complementary nucleotide sequence in the genome. Hence, genes can now be spliced and inserted with pinpoint accuracy, opening up possibilities for curing countless genetic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.
critical aspects of a epidemiology study?
Appropriate control group
Adequate time span
Statistical ability to detect an effect
the control population used as comparison group must be similar as possible to that of the test group
Statistical ability to detect an effect is power of the study. To gain precision and accuracy, the study and control population should be as large as possible
what are cohort groups?
Group of individuals with exposure to something is compared to a group without exposure over time.
what are case control studies?
Individuals with a disease are compared to similar individuals without the disease to determine if there is an association of the disease with prior exposure to an agent
what are cross sectional studies?
The prevalence of a disease or clinical parameter among one or more exposure group is studied.
eg. the prevalence of respiratory conditions among furniture markers.
what are ecological studies?
The incidence of a disease in one geographical area is compared to that of another
Eg. cancer mortality in areas with hazardous waste sites as compared to similar areas without waste sites
