Establishing Causality in Epidemiology

What are some key factors in establishing causality in epidemiology?

a) Dose-response relationship b) Temporality c) Confounding factors d) None of the above

Answer:

The key factors in establishing causality in epidemiology include a) Dose-response relationship and b) Temporality.

In epidemiology, establishing causality is crucial in determining the relationship between an exposure and a health outcome. Two key factors play a significant role in this process.

Dose-Response Relationship:

The dose-response relationship refers to the correlation between the amount of exposure (dose) and the outcome (response). When a higher dose of exposure leads to a greater response, it indicates a potential causal relationship. This relationship can provide important evidence in establishing causality because it demonstrates a direct link between the exposure and the outcome.

Temporality:

Temporality is another crucial factor in establishing causality. It refers to the sequence of events where the exposure must precede the outcome. This temporal relationship is essential in determining causality because it establishes the chronological order between the exposure and the occurrence of the health outcome. If the exposure precedes the outcome, it strengthens the evidence for a causal association.

While other factors such as confounding variables also play a role in assessing causality, the dose-response relationship and temporality are fundamental principles in epidemiology for establishing a causal relationship between an exposure and a health outcome.