Potential Errors In Epidemiologic Studies

Potential Errors In Epidemiologic Studies Introduction I. Dr. Sherine Shawky

Learning Objectives • Recognize the possible research errors • Understand the difference between random error, bias and confounding

Performance Objectives • Adopt the epidemiologic thinking process • Minimize error

Epidemiologic research studies are performed with a global objective to support and improve health

Thus, the main interest in Epidemiology is to detect relationships between exposures and health-related events aiming to make correct decisions and guide people on health

As, the truth is never known, the mission is complicated • Also, no one is interested in drawing wrong decisions and misleading people • Thus, efforts are crucial to minimize error and assure accuracy of results

Planning Results Brain storming Brain storming Possible error Uncontrolled error Prevent Evaluate

Relationship True False Non-causal Causal

Potential Errors False Relationship Non-Causal Relationship - Random Error - Bias - Confounding

Random error Random error is the divergence due to chance alone, of an observation on sample from the true population value, leading to lack of precision in measurement of association

Bias Bias is a systematic error in an epidemiologic study that results in an incorrect estimation of the association between exposure and health-related event

Confounding Confounding occurs when the effects of two risk factors are mixed in the occurrence of the health-related event under study

Conclusion There is always risk of error in any study. The researcher has to be aware of the different types of error, try to prevent their occurrence and evaluate the impact of the uncontrolled errors on the findings

Potential Errors In Epidemiologic Studies