Study design

Question 1

What is epidemiology?

Answer 1

the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events and the application of this study to the control of health problems

Question 2

What is a risk factor?

Answer 2

Something that has a statistical association with a disease, so it is something that helps mark those in a population that are more or less likely to have a certain disease

Question 3

What are some non-modifiable risk factors?

Answer 3

age, sex, genetics or race

Question 4

What are some modifiable risk factors?

Answer 4

occupation, smoking status, alcohol intake, diet and BMI

Question 5

What are example of analytical studies?

Answer 5

Observational and experimental studies

Question 6

What are some examples of integration studies?

Answer 6

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Question 7

What is the hierarchy of study design?

Answer 7

RCT
Prospective cohort
Retrospective cohort
Case-control study
Cross-sectional study
Case series

Question 8

How can you check a study you are looking at is valid?

Answer 8

If there is a reasonable sample size, a sample that is representative of the greater population
The measurements are valid and dietary assessments are reliable (eg. Validated FFQ). Confounders are adjusted for and if statistical significance is assessed.

Question 9

Reference for analysing study design?

Answer 9

Crombie IK. (1996) The pocket guide to critical appraisal. London, BMJ Publishing group.