In-Depth Notes on Case-Control Studies in Epidemiology Week 10

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts necessary for understanding case-control studies in epidemiology.

Case-Control Study

A study design used to determine the association between exposures and outcomes by comparing individuals with the outcome to those without it.

Stillbirth

Defined in the United States as a pregnancy loss occurring at 20 weeks’ gestation or later.

Source Population

The cohort experience from which cases and controls are derived in a case-control study.

Exposed Controls

Controls that have been exposed to the factor of interest in a case-control study.

Unexposed Controls

Controls that have not been exposed to the factor of interest in a case-control study.

Exposure Odds Ratio (EOR)

A measure of the odds of exposure among cases compared to the odds of exposure among controls.

Matching in Case-Control Studies

A method used to pair cases and controls based on certain characteristics to reduce confounding.

Primary Base Case-Control Study

A study in which the population is precisely defined before any cases and controls are identified.

Hospital-Based Controls

Controls selected from the same hospital where cases are identified, often easier to recruit.

Case-Crossover Design

A design where cases are self-matched, comparing exposure status during a designated case period with a control period.

Strength of Case-Control Studies

Useful for studying rare outcomes and multiple exposures, requiring smaller sample sizes compared to cohort studies.

Limitations of Case-Control Studies

Includes difficulties in establishing temporality, potential for selection bias, and limitations on inferring rates or risks.

STROBE Reporting Guidelines

Guidelines for reporting case-control studies that ensure transparency in methodological choices.