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Provide an example of how necessary conditions and component causes work together as per the Rothman Causal Pie model.
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Tuberculosis requires exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (necessary condition) and factors like overcrowding, poor ventilation, and a weakened immune system (component causes).
Differentiate between experimental and observational studies in epidemiology.
Experimental studies involve exposing participants to interventions to observe effects and compare with a control group, while observational studies involve observing populations already exposed to a treatment or risk.
What is the purpose of the Bradford Hill Criteria in epidemiological studies?
To establish the principles for determining causal relationships between health conditions and risk factors.
How do mathematical models assist in epidemiological studies?
They help identify relevant variables and relationships, such as in the Rothman Causal Pie model.
What is a 'sufficient cause' in the context of Rothman's Causal Pie model?
A sufficient cause is the complete set of component causes that together lead to the occurrence of a health condition.
Why is it important to distinguish between correlation and causation in epidemiological studies?
Because not all correlations imply causation, as illustrated by examples like cheese consumption and bed sheet deaths.
What event in 2014 highlighted the importance of epidemiology in addressing infectious diseases?
The Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea, West Africa.
What role does epidemiology play in public health systems?
Epidemiology aids in understanding and controlling health outcomes, influencing the design and evaluation of health systems.
Describe an example of an observational study in epidemiology.
The British Doctor’s Study, which investigated the link between smoking and lung cancer by observing doctors who smoked.
Why is the Ebola virus outbreak considered an epidemic?
Because more people than usual within the affected population developed the illness.
What shift has occurred in the focus of modern epidemiology?
A shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, environmental factors, and the health impacts of natural disasters.
Explain the Rothman Causal Pie model and its components.
The Rothman Causal Pie model explains risk factors and disease causes. 'Component Causes' are different risk factors with a 'Sufficient Cause' being a complete pie leading to a health condition.
Define epidemiology and its main focus areas.
Epidemiology is the study of disease patterns and health conditions within populations, focusing on who is affected, what diseases occur, and where and when they occur.
What are the Greek origins of the term 'epidemiology' and their meanings?
The term comes from 'epi', 'demos', and 'logos', meaning 'upon people study'.
In an experimental epidemiological study, why are negative interventions considered unethical?
Because they pose harm or detriment to participants, which is against ethical research practices.
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