Epidemiology / Biostatistics Mnemonics

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Mnemonics: Easy Memory Aids for Public Health

A

Alcohol withdrawal effects: “S#IT“:

• Shakes/ Seizures/ Sweats/ Stomach pains (n/v)
• Hallucinosis (auditory)
• Increased vitals/ Insomnia
• Tremens (delirium tremens-the lethal part)
  • Author: HBV Morehouse School of Medicine

Accuracy of test: sensitivity vs. specificity

• seNsitivity of a test: related to the rate of false N
• sPecificity of a test: related to the rate of false P
• ­ Alternatively written:
• seNsitive: No Non-N
• sPecific: Puny Psuedo-P
  • Author: Fred Reid Undergrad at St-Andrews, UK

H

Hill criteria for causality: ‘Clowns Pursuing Epidemiology’ Commonly Behind The Silly Samples”:

• Consistency
• Plausibility
• Experimentation
• Biological gradient
• Coherence
• Temporality
• Strength of association
• Specificity
  • Author: TR Columbia PandS

I

Incidence vs. prevalence

• Incidence: Initiate Infection In In
• Prevalence: Population’s Percentage P
  • Author: Robert O’Connor University College Dublin

Informed consent: requirements, exceptions: “Sign this DOC before we can start”:

• Discussion
• Obtain agreement
• Coercion-free

­              Exceptions to informed consent are WIPE:

• • Waiver
  • Incompetent
  • Privilege (therapeutic privilege)
  • Emergency
    • Author: Robert O’Connor University College Dublin

P

Prevention: primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary

• Primary: Predisposing factors decreased.
• Secondary: Severity decreased.
• Tertiary: Therapy, T
  • Author: Robert O’Connor University College Dublin

R

Recall bias

• REcall bias is a problem with
• REtrospective studies and is based on ability to
• RE
  • Author: Rinku Uberoi

S

1. Suicide risk factor: SAD PERSONS:

• Sex: male
• Age: young, elderly
• Depression
• Previous suicide attempts
• Ethanol and other drugs
• Reality testing/ Rational thought (loss of)
• Social support lacking
• Organized suicide plan
• No spouse
• Sickness/ Stated future intent
  • Reference: http://medicalmnemonics.com/