In a case controlled study, it is found that the disease is more common in the group taking coffee as compared to the control group. The significance of this is:
Ans is 'c' i.e. Caffeine is associated with the occurrence of the diseases [Ref: Park 20/e, p 69 (18/e, p 68, 17/e p64, 16/e,p62)[Cause and effect relationship is not established by case control study. It can be established by cohort study. A case control study cannot distinguish between causal factors and associated factors.A case control study can measure only the odd ratio ( an estimate of relative risk)A case control study does not establish a cause and effect relationship but it definately tells that caffeine is associated with the disease under study.
Cause and effect relationship established
Disease median can be calculated
Caffeine is associated with occurrence of disease
Controls will not get the disease
Analytical Epidemiology