Epidemiology in Medicine.

Epidemiology in Medicine

By Hennekens CH, Buring JE. Boston, MA 02108, Little, Brown & Co Inc, 1987 The book was written to enable health professionals to interpret and apply the principles of epidemiology that are concerned with distributions, frequencies, and determinants of disease in humans. The book is divided into four parts, each presenting a distinct aspect of epidemiological research. Part 1 covers the history of epidemiology, assessment of valid statistical associations and judgements of casuality, and measures for quantifying the occurrence of disease. Part 2 describes correlational, observational, and experimental studies; case reports; cross-sectional surveys; and the strengths and limitations of these methods. Important issues of research such as presentation and summary of data; analysis of studies; and roles of chance, bias, and confounding are covered in Part 3. Part 4 emphasizes the application of epidemiological principles and methods of disease control.

Each chapter contains study questions. Detailed answers to these questions are given in the appendix and serve as a brief summary of the essential points covered in the respective chapters. The appendix also includes statistical probability values for t and chi-square distributions and two flow charts that facilitate the selection of the most appropriate statistical procedure for testing hypotheses concerning proportions.

The book is readable and concise. The authors extensively cite examples from their own work and that of their colleagues in epidemiological research. They present many illustrations of contemporary health importance. The text contains fresh and practical approaches to the research process. It also contains an index. I recommend the book as selective reading for instructors of physical therapy research methods, who may find that it offers an opportunity to broaden their background and understanding of prospective and retrospective studies.