Description
Book SynopsisA (LONG OVERDUE) CAUSAL APPROACH TO INTRODUCTORY EPIDEMIOLOGY Epidemiology is recognized as the science of public health, evidence-based medicine, and comparative effectiveness research. Causal inference is the theoretical foundation underlying all of the above. No introduction to epidemiology is complete without extensive discussion of causal inference; what''s missing is a textbook that takes such an approach. Epidemiology by Design takes a causal approach to the foundations of traditional introductory epidemiology. Through an organizing principle of study designs, it teaches epidemiology through modern causal inference approaches, including potential outcomes, counterfactuals, and causal identification conditions.Coverage in this textbook includes: Introduction to measures of prevalence and incidence (survival curves, risks, rates, odds) and measures of contrast (differences, ratios); the fundamentals of causal inference; and principles of diagnostic testing, screening, and surveill
Trade ReviewThis book adds to the existing collection of epidemiology books by incorporating causal inference while introducing and explaining new topics. This is an ideal text for aspiring health services researchers, clinician-scientists, and epidemiologists looking to begin learning about conducting and appraising health sciences research. Explanations provide a thorough introduction to the field, and references provide pathways to continue study. * Morgan B Swanson, Doody's *
Much of epidemiology is about estimating causal effects: how risk factors or exposures relate to disease, or the effects of interventions or other factors on health outcomes. This introductory text by Westreich introduces students to the basics of epidemiology through this lens of intervention and impact. Its focus on how to articulate clear research questions, and design rigorous studies to answer them, will be particularly useful to students looking to make a difference in the public's health. * Elizabeth Stuart, Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health *
Causal inference should be at the heart of epidemiology. And yet, introductory epidemiology has never been taught through the lens of causal thinking. This smart and engaging book does just that. Westreich brings a fresh perspective to teaching the foundations of the field one that positions the reader beautifully for subsequent deeper thinking about causes and how we may intervene to promote the health of populations. * Professor Sandro Galea, University of Boston, author of Urban Health *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Overview 1. Measuring Disease 2. Measures of Association 3. Causal Inference, Causal Effect Estimation, and Systematic Error 4. Diagnostic Testing, Screening, and Surveillance 5. Randomized Trials 6. Observational Cohort Studies 7. Case-Control Studies 8. Other Study Designs 9. Causal Impact, From Exposures to Interventions Index
