Epidemiology: Principles and Practical Guidelines [electronic resource] / edited by Jan Van den Broeck, Jonathan R Brestoff.

Preface -- Part I Introduction.- Definition and Scope of Epidemiology.- Basic Concepts in Epidemiology.- Roots and Future of Epidemiology -- Part II Study Design.- General Study Objectives -- The Specific Aims -- General Study Designs.- Study Size Planning. Sponsoring and Stakeholder Involvement.- The Recruitment and Enrollment Plan.- The Measurement Plan.- The Quality Assurance and Control Plan.- The Data Management Plan.- The Analysis Plan -- Ethics Support -- Part III  Study Conduct.- Training and Study Preparations.- Managing the Informed Consent Process.- Accrual, Retention and Adherence.- Questionnaires.- Maintaining Data Integrity.- Data Cleaning.- Good Clinical Practice -- Part IV:  Study Analysis.- Statistical Estimation.- Statistical Testing.- Statistical Modeling.- Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.- The Ethics of Study Analysis -- Part V Study Reporting.- Interpretation of Findings.- Scientific Writing.- Reporting Data Quality.-  Dissemination to Stakeholders.- The Ethics of Study Reporting -- Bibliography -- Subject Index.

This textbook presents epidemiology in a practical manner, contextualized with discussions of theory and ethics, so that students and professionals from all academic backgrounds may develop a deep appreciation for how to conduct and interpret epidemiological research. Readers will develop skills to: ·         Search for and appraise literature critically ·         Develop important research questions ·         Design, plan, and implement studies to address those questions ·         Develop proposals to obtain funding ·         Perform and interpret fundamental statistical estimations,           tests,and models ·         Consider the ethical implications of all stages of research ·         Report findings in publications ·         Advocate for change in the public health setting Epidemiology is and will remain a discipline in motion, and this textbook aims at reflecting this dynamism and keeping pace with its momentum. This textbook is not only a classroom tool with high utility but also an essential reference and guide for those engaging in research involving human subjects.