ASMPH YL6

Public Health Module

Review of Concepts in Epidemiology and in Biostatistics
Lab Exercises
7 Sept 2017

I. Introduction
A. Epidemiology (and its companion discipline Biostatistics) is a
fundamental science of both medicine and public health. Without
them, accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and cost-effective
public health interventions would not be possible.
B. Reading the medical and public health literature is a good entry
point to understanding epidemiology and biostatistics concept. But
not all published literature are of good quality. Medical students
need to be able good from bad studies. Critical appraisal of the
literature is an essential skill in recognizing valid scientific studies.
C. This session in the PH Module provides a review of the basic
principles of epidemiology and biostatistics through learning the
skill of critical appraisal. At the end of the session, the student will
be able to:
1. Identify the characteristics of valid studies in three domains:
a) Diagnosis
b) Treatment
c) Prognosis
2. Interpret the results of these type of studies
3. Apply the results of these studies to a typical Filipino patient
II. Procedures
A. Read the three scientific articles in this folder.
B. Analyze each of the four articles using the appropriate Critical
Appraisal Tool (CAT). Add a column to the table in all of the sheets
and answer: What is your evidence for saying so? You may copy
the section of the article that supports your answer. Work
individually.
C. You may use this as a reference.
D. Prepare to discuss any of your worksheets in class.