Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of attributable fraction among the population and its calculation in epidemiology?
Sample answer:
Concept of Attributable Fraction
Attributable fraction (AF) measures the proportion of disease cases in a population that can be attributed to a specific exposure or risk factor. It represents the reduction in disease incidence that would occur if the exposure were eliminated or controlled.
Calculation of Attributable Fraction
AF is calculated using the following formula:
AF = (P_e - P_u) / P_e
where:
- P_e is the incidence of disease among the exposed population
- P_u is the incidence of disease among the unexposed population
Interpretation of Attributable Fraction
- AF = 0: The exposure is not associated with the disease outcome.
- 0 < AF < 1: The exposure is a risk factor for the disease, but it does not fully explain the occurrence of all cases.
- AF = 1: The exposure is the sole cause of the disease in the population.
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