Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Nutritional Epidemiology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Nutritional Epidemiology 1. Association vs. Causation One of the fundamental concepts in nutritional epidemiology is distinguishing between association and causation. An association means that two factors are related, but it doesn't imply that one causes the other. Causation, on the other hand, suggests a cause-and-effect relationship. It's essential to interpret study findings carefully, considering the study design, potential confounders, and other factors. 2. Relative Risk vs. Odds Ratio When studying the relationship between a risk factor and an outcome, researchers often calculate either the relative risk (RR) or the odds ratio (OR). While both measure the association, they have different interpretations. RR is used in cohort studies and represents the risk of developing the outcome in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group. OR, commonly used in case-control studies, estimates the odds of exposure in cases compared to controls. Understanding when to use each measure is crucial. 3. Confounding vs. Effect Modification Confounding and effect modification are two types of bias that can affect study results. Confounding occurs when a third variable influences both the exposure and the outcome, leading to a spurious association.