CHLH274_Homework 1_Modules1-3 (1)
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University of Illinois, Chicago *
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Course
274
Subject
Medicine
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
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3
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Homework #1
1.
In what respects does epidemiology differ from clinical medicine? (3 points)
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Epidemiology is the study of diseases that affect the general population. Epidemiologists look at trends of diseases and how to better prevent them, while clinical medicine is the act of actually treating those diseases. While there is some overlap, like research of disease, only in clinical medicine will you see treatment being performed. 2.
What are some examples of risk factors for disease that you experience in your life? Be sure to define what is meant by a risk factor. Give at least 3 and say what types of health outcomes they are risk factors for (3 points)
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A risk factor is behavior or characteristics that are associated with a higher probability of disease. One example of a risk factor is a certain cancer running in your family. Because your family has a history of being diagnosed with this certain cancer, you have a higher risk of also developing that cancer. Another risk factor could be being overweight. Being overweight puts you at risk of many different diseases, like type 2 diabetes. Social Isolation can also be an example of a risk factor. Loneliness can be a big factor in developing mental disorders like depression. 3.
What are the main advantages of using each of the following types of data presentation: bar chart, line graph, and pie chart? (3 points)
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A bar chart can show us the frequency of cases for categories of categorical variables, like height, weight, etc. They can also have an infinite number of values. -
A line graph can display trends over some time.
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A Pie chart can display the proportion of cases of several categories. 4.
What types of information are found by using specific rates such as cause-specific, age-
specific, and sex-specific rates instead of crude rates? (4 points)
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Cause-specific death rate is the number of deaths due to a certain cause per 100,000 population. Age-specific rate is the number of cases per a certain age group during a specified period. Sex-specific rate is the frequency of disease in a sex group. The crude rate uses the total population in the denominator for its calculation, making it much more general and broad, while the other rates focus on specific groups and don’t cast a net wide as
Homework #1
the crude rate does. Refer to the following table for questions 6 through 8.
Hypothetical Data for Unintentional Injuries
Total injuries
Fatal injuries
Non-fatal injuries
Number in population
Total deaths from all causes
Men
73
3
70
2856
9
Women
41
2
39
2981
8
5.
What is the sex ratio for total injuries? (1 point)
6.
What is the crude mortality rate per 100,000 population? (1 point)
7.
What is (a) the cause-specific mortality rate for injuries and (b) the case fatality rate (%) for injuries? (2 points)
8.
Describe the types of information that can be obtained from the vital registration system of the United States. (2.5 points)
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Vital events are deaths, births, marriages, divorces, and fetal deaths. The vital registration system has information on all these categories. Most of these categories are complete but may not be completely accurate in specified causes of death or conditions that were not detected at birth. 9.
Describe the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. How does it differ from a surveillance system for infectious disease? (2
.
5 points)
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The BRFSS is used at the state level to monitor behavioral risk factors that are associated with chronic disease. It focuses on preventative measures and healthcare access. A surveillance system for infectious disease would operate at a nationwide level and would work to prevent and monitor the spread of disease by sharing health information.
Homework #1
10. Describe and discuss three data collection programs operated by the National Center for Health Statistics. (3 points)
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Data from the National Health Interview Survey, or NHIS, is used to monitor how well the U.S. is progressing toward certain health goals. This survey also tracks Americans' health status and access to healthcare. -
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, collects data from physical examinations and interviews. It also operates as a continuous survey with data released in two-
year cycles. NHANES is used to assess the health status of Americans. -
The Vital Statistics System collects data on death, birth, marriages, divorces, and fetal death.
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