The Bradford Hill criteria are a set of nine principles that provide a framework for establishing a causal relationship between a presumed cause and an observed effect in epidemiological studies. These criteria are widely used in public health research to assess evidence and determine whether associations are likely to be causal rather than merely correlated.

Bradford Hill Criteria

Bradford Hill criteria

A causal relationship implies that a change in one variable directly results in a change in another, establishing a cause-and-effect link. Determining causality often requires rigorous experimentation or statistical analysis to rule out confounding variables and ensure that the observed effect is not due to chance or external factors.

causal relationship

presumed cause

observed effect

Epidemiological studies are essential for understanding the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations, and they provide the foundation for public health interventions and policy-making. These studies are typically categorized into descriptive, analytical, and experimental designs, each serving distinct purposes in investigating disease patterns and causes.

epidemiological studies

public health research

assess evidence

Causal associations

Correlation indicates a statistical relationship between two variables, but it does not imply that one variable causes the other. Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid false assumptions and misinterpretations in data analysis.

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