Case Control Study


Step 1: Learning Objectives

  1. Apply the principles of case-control studies:
    1. Formulate research hypotheses
    2. Define population at risk for disease
    3. Define eligibility criteria for cases and controls
    4. Describe methods of accrual of cases and controls
    5. Define exposure
      • Timing and measurement
    6. Define exposure
      • Ascertainment of outcome
  2. Employ steps in data analysis of case-control studies to analyze the data:
    1. Administrative procedures before start of the study
    2. Calculate disease odds ratio
      • Interpret your estimate
    3. Calculate exposure odds ratio
      • Interpret your estimate
  3. Explain your findings and discuss problems in data analysis:
    1. Explain how the size of the odds ratio influences your conclusions about the association between exposure and outcome
    2. Give your suggestions for carrying out this case-control study
    3. Discuss the importance of defining the underlying population for selection of cases and controls
    4. Discuss the importance of exchangeability of cases and controls
    5. Explain why exposure odds ratio is identical to the disease odds ratio
    6. Discuss the relationship between odds ratio and relative risk
    7. Discuss the value of statistical data analysis in reaching conclusions about causality of the exposure-outcome relationship

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