STAT 6395 Special Topics in Statistics: Epidemiology

Transcription

1 STAT 6395 Special Topics in Statistics: Epidemiology Heroy Science Hall, Room 127, Wednesday 2:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. Spring 2008 Instructor: Dr. Giovanni Filardo and Dr. H. K. Tony Ng Office: Heroy Science Hall, Room 106 Office Hours: Monday 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Phone: (214) (Dr. Filardo) and (214) (Dr. Ng) gfilardo@mail.smu.edu and ngh@mail.smu.edu Url: Course Objectives: This course presents an introduction to statistical issues and techniques relevant to the design and analysis of epidemiologic studies, focusing specifically on epidemiologic concepts and methods and related biostatistical approaches. Through readings, lectures, and problem sets, students are expected to (1) develop an increased understanding of epidemiologic principles and statistical methods to be used in biomedical research; (2) identify strengths and pitfalls in the design, analysis, and interpretation of biomedical studies in the literature; and (3) master epidemiologic methods to a degree necessary to initiate their own research projects and analyses. By the end of the course students will achieve: A basic understanding of research designs A better understanding of how to form and approach a research question and the related statistical analysis. A basic grounding in epidemiologic methods and the correspondent statistical methods. The ability to apply quantitative epidemiologic methods. The ability to read, understand, and give a basic critique of biomedical research articles. Through the case studies, a basic understanding of some important public health issues. Method of evaluation: Assignments (30%): Two homework assignments. Project (30%): Written report and presentation of a data analysis project. Article reviews (30%): One-page summaries of 5 out of 8 articles which will be discussed by the class. Class presentation (10%): In-class presentation of a selected article. 1

2 Office hours: Monday 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You are also welcome to drop in our offices anytime. You may also set up an appointment by . Computer Usage Policy: Attention is drawn to the SMU computer usage policy. Please read the policy carefully and keep that in mind whenever you are using your computer account. Late Work Policy: Late work will not be accepted without prior authorization. If you have a conflict or difficulties, please inform the instructor at least 3 days before the assignment due date for discussion. Academic Ethics and Dishonesty: Discussion of assignment questions are strongly encouraged. However, students are expected to create, edit and print out their own assignments and take tests and exams without outside assistance. All work is expected to be your own. Exchanging code or work whether it is electronically or by exchanging printouts is considered as scholastic dishonesty in this class. Religious Observance: Religiously observant students wishing to be absent on holidays that require missing class should notify the instructor in writing at the beginning of the semester, and should discuss with them, in advance, acceptable ways of making up any work missed because of the absence. (See University Policy No. 1.9.) Disability Accommodations: Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first contact Ms. Rebecca Marin, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities ( ) to verify the disability and establish eligibility for accommodations. Then you should schedule an appointment with the instructor to make appropriate arrangements. (See University Policy No. 2.4.) 2

3 Class Schedule: Week Date Topics Textbook Articles Remarks 1 16 Jan. Course Introduction Introduction to Epidemiology 2 23 Jan. Introduction to Epidemiology Ch Jan. Introduction to Ch Epidemiologic Data Analysis 4 6 Feb. Cohort Studies Ch Feb. Cohort Studies Ch. 6 4, Article Presentation Feb. Cohort Studies Ch. 6 5 Assignment Feb. Case-control Studies Ch. 7 6, 7, Article Presentation Mar. Case-control Studies Ch. 7 8, Mar. Spring Break Mar. Case-control Studies Ch. 7 10, Article Presentation 3 Assignment Mar. Bias, Confounding, Effect Modification Page , 12, Article Presentation 4 Page Apr. Bias, Confounding, Effect Modification Page , Article Presentation 5 Project distributed 13 9 Apr. Adjusted Analysis for Cohort Studies Ch. 20 & 21 14, Article Presentation Apr. Adjusted Analysis for Case-control Studies Ch. 20 & Apr. Special Topics, Open Discussions Apr. Follows Friday class schedule Article assigned for presentation Article to be reviewed 3

4 Textbooks: Rothman, K. J. and Greenland, S. (1998). Modern Epidemiology, Second Edition, Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven. References: Harrell, F. E. (2001). Regression Modeling Strategies. New York: Springer-Verlag. Gordis, L. (2004). Epidemiology (third edition). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders. List of articles: 1. Ioannidis JP. Contradicted and initially stronger effects in highly cited clinical research. JAMA 2005 Jul;294(2): Ioannidis JP. Why most published research findings are false. PLoS med 2005 Aug;2(8):e Shishehbor MH, Litaker D, Pothier CE, Lauer MS. Association of socioeconomic status with functional capacity, heart rate recovery, and all-cause mortality. JAMA Feb 15;295(7): Manson JE, Willet WC, Stampfer MJ et al. Body weight and mortality among women. New Engl J Med 1995; 333(11): Colditz GA, Manson JE, Hankinson SE. The Nurses Healthy Study: 20-year contribution to the understanding of health among women. J Womens Health 1997:6(1): Breslow NE. Statistics in Epidemiology: The Case-Control Study. JASA 1996; 91(433): Doll R, Hill BA. Smoking and carcinoma of the lung: preliminary report. BMJ 1950;2: Grimes DA, Schulz KF. Compared to what? Finding controls for case-control studies. Lancet Apr 16-22;365(9468): Bahl S, Cotterchio M, Kreiger N, Klar N. Antidepressant medication use and non-hodgkin s lymphoma risk: no association. Am J Epidemiol Sep 15;160(6): Chu SY, Lee, Wingo PA, Webster LA. Alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer. Am J Epidemiol 1989;130(5): Pahor M, Guralnik JM, Furberg CD et al. Risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage with calcium antagonists in hypertensive persons over 67 years old. Lancet 1996;347:

5 12. Smalley WE, Ray WA, Daugherty JR, Griffin MR. No association between calcium channel blocker use and confirmed bleeding peptic ulcer disease. Am J Epidemiol 1998:148(4): Lahkola A, Salminen T, Auvinen A. Selection bias due to differential participation in a case-control study of mobile phone use and brain tumors. Ann Epidemiol May;15(5): Hoidrup S, Gronbaek M, Pedersen AT, et al. Hormone replacement therapy and hip fracture risk: effect modification by tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and body mass index. Am J Epidemiol 1999;150(10): Recommended additional articles: 15. Cooper HC, Booth K, et al. Patients perspectives on diabetes health care education. Health Education Res 2003; 18(2): Loevinsohn ME. Climatic warming and increased malaria incidence in Rwanda. Lancet 1994; 343: Morales IJ, Peters SG, Afessa B. Hospital mortality rate and length of stay in patients admitted at night to the intensive care unit. Crit Care Med Mar;31(3): Selikoff IJ, Churg J, Hammond EC. Asbestos exposure and neoplasia. JAMA 1964;188: