To prepare for this assignment, keep your eyes open for an article in a news-related publication that relates to an epidemiologic topic or concept addressed in the course.
Why does this topic interest you?
Does the topic affect your work and your lifestyle? If so, how?
What are the implications of the epidemiological news to the health of individuals and populations?
RESOURCES
Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
Chapter 6, "Study Designs: Ecologic, Cross-Sectional, Case-Control"The authors compare and contrast various types of observational analytic studies. The odds ratio, which is the measure of association used in case control studies, is also described.
Chapter 7, "Study Design: Cohort Studies"This chapter provides an overview of cohort studies and distinguishes them from other study designs.
While a case control study begins with an outcome and seeks data on one or more exposures, cohort studies begin with an exposure and seek data on one or more outcomes.
Research questions that particularly lend themselves to cohort studies are also presented. The concept of relative risk, the measure of association often used in cohort studies, is also covered in this chapter.