PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 6670411

[Different selection rates--fallacies in epidemiological studies].

M Neuberger·A Raber
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Practical examples from preventive and curative medicine are given to demonstrate how competing selection rates distort the results of epidemiological studies. In order to quantify this distorsion the bias is tabulated and graphed for different combinations of features (diseases, symptoms, findings, etc.) on the one hand and different admission or participation rates on the other hand. With the help of a formula which can be stored in a pocket calculator the sample bias can be quantified also. Prerequisite is the estimation of selection rates. They have such a bearing on the results of epidemiological studies that it is advisable to ask two questions before any interpretation: 1. which factors can lead to different admission rates in the groups (A,B) under study and 2. which factors can lead to different admission rates of persons with and without the feature (X) under study.

Explore related subjects

AsbestosisCoronary DiseaseEpidemiologic MethodsFemaleHealth Status IndicatorsHealth SurveysHumansLung NeoplasmsMaleMass ScreeningModels, TheoreticalOccupational DiseasesRiskEnglish AbstractJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

M Neuberger, A Raber. 1983. [Different selection rates--fallacies in epidemiological studies].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6670411/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Radiographic readings for asbestosis: misuse of science--validation of the ILO classification.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic readings for pneumoconiosis (both asbestosis and silicosis), even those using the International Labour Office (ILO) Classification, have received widespread negative coverage in the media and strong judicial rebuke. METHODS: The medical literature over the past 90 years was reviewed for the relationships between radiographic severity (standardized as the ILO profusion score) and indices of exposure to silica or asbestos, tissue burden of silica particles or asbestos fibers, histologic fibrosis, various measurements of pulmonary function and mortality. RESULTS: Evidence from many different disciplines has demonstrated that the ILO profusion score correlates with occupational exposure, dust burden in the lung, histologic fibrosis and, more recently, with physiologic impairment and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The ILO Classification has therefore been validated as a scientific tool. Its fraudulent misuse by "hired-gun" physicians, attorneys and elements of the compensation system to falsify claims of asbestosis and/or silicosis (often in the same claimant) must be condemned.

Asbestosis↗
PubMed2006

Mesothelioma mortality in Europe: impact of asbestos consumption and simian virus 40.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that asbestos is the most important cause of mesothelioma. The role of simian virus 40 (SV40) in mesothelioma development, on the other hand, remains controversial. This potential human oncogene has been introduced into various populations through contaminated polio vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the possible presence of SV40 in various European countries, as indicated either by molecular genetic evidence or previous exposure to SV40-contaminated vaccines, had any effect on pleural cancer rates in the respective countries. METHODS: We conducted a Medline search that covered the period from January 1969 to August 2005 for reports on the detection of SV40 DNA in human tissue samples. In addition, we collected all available information about the types of polio vaccines that had been used in these European countries and their SV40 contamination status. RESULTS: Our ecological analysis confirms that pleural cancer mortality in males, but not in females, correlates with the extent of asbestos exposure 25 - 30 years earlier. In contrast, neither the presence of SV40 DNA in tumor samples nor a previous vaccination exposure had any detectable influence on the cancer mortality rate in neither in males (asbestos-corrected rates) nor in females. CONCLUSION: Using the currently existing data on SV40 prevalence, no association between SV40 prevalence and asbestos-corrected male pleural cancer can be demonstrated.

Asbestosis↗