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The application of methods to quantify attributable risk in medical practice
1Information Network of Department of Dermatology, Georg August University, Department of Dermatology, Goettingen, Germany. wuter@rz.uni-osnabrueck.de
Statistical Methods in Medical Research
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Attributable risk (AR) quantifies population health impacts from exposures. While its use increased, many studies lack clear definitions or proper statistical adjustments, hindering accurate application.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Attributable risk (AR) is a key epidemiological measure for quantifying population-level health impacts of exposures.
- Levin's 1953 definition and its variations are commonly employed.
- A significant rise in AR studies was noted in recent decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the application and reporting of attributable risk (AR) in epidemiological research.
- To identify trends in the use of AR over time.
- To evaluate the methodological rigor in studies reporting AR.
Main Methods:
- A structured literature search of the Medline database was conducted.
- 334 original epidemiological studies published between 1966 and 1996 were analyzed.
- Studies were evaluated for the definition of AR used, adjustment procedures, and reporting of confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in AR studies was observed, particularly in the last decade.
- 64.5% of studies failed to provide an exact definition of the AR used.
- Only 37.5% of studies performed necessary adjustment procedures for multifactorial situations.
- Confidence intervals for AR were reported in merely 19.3% of the studies.
Conclusions:
- The increasing popularity of attributable risk (AR) is positive for epidemiological research.
- There is a need to promote the correct application and comprehensive reporting of AR in medical practice.
- Methodological inconsistencies and lack of detailed reporting limit the full utility of AR findings.