Frequency, risk and impact measures in epidemiology
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The results of epidemiological studies should be expressed in terms of measures of health or disease. This article reviews the key frequency, risk and impact measures, which can be estimated using proportions, ratios or rates, depending on the specific context. It discusses which measures are appropriate for a study based on its design. Cross-sectional studies serve to estimate the prevalence; cohort studies allow calculation of the incidence, relative risk and attributable fractions; case-control studies use the odds ratio and clinical trials determine the relative risk, absolute and relative risk reductions and number needed to treat (NNT). The article also outlines criteria for the interpretation of these measures, supported by specific examples.
Authors: Carlos Ochoa Sangrador, Eduardo Ortega Páez, Manuel Molina Arias, Fernando Carvajal Encina, Eduardo Cuestas Montañes, María Salomé Albi Rodríguez, Pilar Aizpurua Galdeano, María Aparicio Rodrigo, Nieves Balado Insunza, Albert Balaguer Santamaría, Carolina Blanco Rodríguez, Jaime Javier Cuervo Valdés, María Jesús Esparza Olcina, Sergio Flores Villar, Garazi Fraile Astorga, Javier González de Dios, Paz González Rodríguez, Rafael Martín Masot, María Victoria Martínez Rubio, Begoña Pérez-Moneo Agapito, María José Rivero Martín, Álvaro Gimeno Díaz de Atauri, Laura Cabrera Morente, Elena Pérez González, Juan Ruiz-Canela Cáceres
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics and Probability
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414112146