Rothman defined a sufficient cause as “…a complete causal mechanism” that “inevitably produces disease.” Consequently, a “sufficient cause” is not a single factor, but
a minimum set of factors and circumstances that, if present in a given individual, will produce the disease
.
What are the types of causes in epidemiology?
The causes that epidemiologists study can be classified as events or states. We can also distinguish between modifiable and non-modifiable states. This yields three types of causes:
fixed states (non-modifiable), dynamic states (modifiable) and events
.
What is a necessary cause in epidemiology?
A disease may have more than one sufficient cause, with each sufficient cause being composed of several component causes that may or may not overlap.
A component that appears in every pie or pathway
is called a necessary cause, because without it, disease does not occur.
What does causation mean in epidemiology?
Causation means
either the production of an effect, or else the relation of cause to effect
. Causes produce or occasion an effect. Some philosophers, and epidemiologists drawing largely on experimental sciences, require that causes be limited to well specified and active agents producing change.
What are the four types of causal relationships in epidemiology?
Causation is an essential concept in epidemiology, yet there is no single, clearly articulated definition for the discipline. From a systematic review of the literature, five categories can be delineated:
production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic.
What’s the difference between necessary and sufficient?
A necessary condition is a condition that must be present for an event to occur. A sufficient condition is a condition or set of conditions that will produce the event. A necessary condition
must be there
, but it alone does not provide sufficient cause for the occurrence of the event.
Is epidemiology a good career?
There are many master’s and Ph. … Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina School of Public Health, says
epidemiology is a great field for an adult learner to enter
after pursuing another career.
What are 3 types of causes?
This yields three types of causes:
fixed states (non-modifiable), dynamic states (modifiable) and events (including actions)
.
What are the four uses of epidemiology?
For
community diagnosis of the presence, nature and distribution of health and disease among the population
, and the dimensions of these in incidence, prevalence, and mortality; taking into account that society is changing and health problems are changing. To study the workings of health services.
What are the two types of causes and effects?
- Single cause-multiple effect: namely, that one action has several ramifications.
- Multiple cause-single effect: conversely, that there are several reasons (usually with varying degrees of causation) for one result.
What are the five conditions of causation?
Since the description of the criteria, many methods to systematically evaluate the evidence supporting a causal relationship have been published, for example the five evidence-grading criteria of the World Cancer Research Fund
(Convincing; Probable; Limited evidence – suggestive; Limited evidence – no conclusion;
…
What’s the difference between association and causation?
Association is a statistical relationship between
two variables
. Two variables may be associated without a causal relationship. … Causation: Causation means that the exposure produces the effect.
Can epidemiology prove causation?
A statistical association observed in an epidemiological study is more likely to be causal if: it is strong (the relative risk is reasonably large)
it is statistically significant
.
there is a dose-response relationship
– higher exposure seems to produce more disease.
What is reverse causality example?
Here is a good example of reverse causation:
When lifelong smokers are told they have lung cancer or emphysema
, many may then quit smoking. This change of behavior after the disease develops can make it seem as if ex-smokers are actually more likely to die of emphysema or lung cancer than current smokers.
What is the reverse causality problem?
the
common error of mistaking cause for effect and vice versa
. Asking whether an event or condition considered to be the cause of a phenomenon might in reality be its effect can be a useful check against preconceptions and generate fresh, challenging ideas.
How do epidemiologists determine the cause of a disease?
Epidemiologists count cases of disease (or injury),
consider the distribution of the cases, and define the affected population
. If a problem is identified, they use data they collect to try to determine its cause and how it is being transmitted. They also recommend how best to control its spread within the population.
