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CPE Quiz: Translating Epidemiology into Sound Public Health Advice

Question 1Which of the following statements is true about an epidemiological finding with a Relative Risk (or Odds Ratio) of < 2?A. A Relative Risk of < 2 is considered a weak association.
B. A Relative Risk of < 2 suggests that a finding may be explained by factors other than a causal relationship.
C. Epidemiology studies and the media sometimes report findings with a Relative Risk of < 2.
D. All of the above.

Question 2A consumer is concerned because a media report on an epidemiological study says that the consumer's favorite food increases risk of cancer by 67%. This is a Relative Risk of 1.67, which is a weak association. Which of the following is an appropriate response?A. Advise the consumer to immediately stop consuming the food.
B. Explain that the finding doesn't "prove" that the food causes cancer and that the result may be due to a factor other than the food.
C. Compare the weak Relative Risk of 1.67 with the strong Relative Risk between smoking in men and lung cancer, which is 23.3 for current smokers, according to the American Cancer Society.
D. Both "b" and "c."

Question 3When reviewing the findings of a new epidemiological study, it's important to do which of the following?A. Judge the credibility of the study by the journal in which it's published.
B. Immediately use the findings to advise consumers on changing their behaviors.
C. Evaluate the findings within the context of past research results and the consensus of the scientific community before the study was published.
D. None of the above.

Question 4Which of the following are used as methods of causal inference in regard to epidemiological research findings?A. Meta-analysis.
B. Expert editorials.
C. Systematic reviews
D. Both "a" and "c."

Question 5Which of the following is not one of the "causal criteria" used to decide whether a body of evidence warrants a conclusion of causation?A. Strength of association.
B. Public health applicability.
C. Consistency of association.
D. Dose response.

Question 6What steps should health professionals take to accurately respond to consumers' questions about media reports on epidemiological research findings?A. Read the original research paper to determine what population group was studied, the Relative Risk reported, and the conclusions drawn by the researchers.
B. Assess how the new findings fit within the body of past research findings.
C. See how the media is reporting the results so potential misinterpretations can be addressed with consumers.
D. All of the above.

Question 7When the findings of a nutrition epidemiology study are published, advising consumers not to change their behavior may be a valid recommendation.A. True
B. False

Question 8According to Dr. Weed, under which circumstances could it be acceptable to use the findings of an epidemiological study to make recommendations to an individual?A. The individual is similar to the study population.
B. The needs of the individual are considered.
C. The impact on the individual's family is considered.
D. All of the above.

Question 9Epidemiological research papers typically include a section that analyzes the new findings within the context of past research results.A. True
B. False

Question 10Which of the following statements is an accurate conclusion about the study on alcohol intake and cancer incidence in women, which was discussed by Dr. Weed?A. There is no clear evidence that alcohol provides medical benefits.
B. Consuming alcohol increases the incidence of all types of cancer.
C. Nondrinkers had a slightly higher risk of cancer than the reference group that consumed two drinks or less per week.
D. None of the above are true.