Table 7–5 in Chapter 7 of your text lists examples of several major cohort studies. Choose one of the studies (excluding the Framingham Heart Study and Nurses’ Health Study) from the list.
Using the data from that study, describe the public health problem in terms of magnitude, person, time and place.
Discuss the basic epidemiology measures used in the study. Specifically what measure of risk was used?
- How was risk calculated? (Hint: Consider a 2 by 2 table to display the data).
- Do you agree with the authors’ conclusions?
- What would you infer from the data? Why?
How to solve
Liberty University Cohort Studies Discussion
Introduction:
In this assignment, we will analyze a specific cohort study to understand the public health problem it addresses and the epidemiological measures utilized. We will explore how the authors calculated the risk and evaluate their conclusions. Finally, we will draw inferences from the data and provide reasons to support our interpretations.
Answer:
The chosen cohort study from Table 7–5 is the “Health Professionals Follow-up Study,” which investigates the relationship between dietary factors and chronic diseases.
Magnitude of the public health problem:
The public health problem examined in this study is the burden of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality. By studying the dietary factors contributing to these conditions, the study aims to understand their impact on the magnitude of the problem.
Person:
The study focuses on health professionals, both men and women, who have a specific education and occupation. By examining this population, the researchers aim to gain insights into the impact of dietary factors on chronic diseases among a well-informed and educated group.
Time:
The cohort study has been ongoing since 1986, with participants regularly providing data and updates on their diets and health status. This longitudinal approach allows the researchers to observe changes in dietary patterns and disease outcomes over an extended period, capturing temporal aspects of the public health problem.
Place:
The study is conducted primarily in the United States, with participants being health professionals from various regions. This geographical focus provides insights into the impact of dietary factors on chronic diseases within the context of the U.S. population.
Risk measure used in the study:
The measure of risk employed in this cohort study is the relative risk (RR). The researchers calculate the RR to assess the association between specific dietary factors and the incidence of chronic diseases within the study population.
Calculation of risk:
To calculate risk, the researchers utilize a 2 by 2 table to display the data. They compare the incidence rates of chronic diseases among participants with different dietary patterns. By comparing the rates, they can determine the relative risk, which represents the likelihood of developing the disease based on specific dietary factors.
Agreement with the authors’ conclusions:
To provide an objective assessment, it is necessary to review the specific conclusions drawn by the authors of the study. Without the knowledge of the authors’ conclusions, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer.
Inference from the data:
Based on the data, one could infer the potential association between specific dietary factors and the incidence of chronic diseases. By analyzing the relative risk and considering potential confounding factors, such as age, sex, and lifestyle factors, one can draw inferences about the impact of certain dietary patterns on the risk of developing chronic diseases. However, further analysis and examination of the data are necessary to draw more specific and robust conclusions.
It is important to note that without additional details on the specific study and its findings, it is challenging to provide a precise inference. The interpretation of the data depends on various factors, such as the study design, statistical methods used, and the presence of confounding variables.
Therefore, in order to provide a comprehensive analysis and interpretation, it is necessary to have access to the complete study and its findings.
