Describing the epidemiology of rheumatic diseases: methodological aspects.
Fiche publication
Date publication
mars 2012
Lien Pubmed
Résumé
PURPOSE: Producing descriptive epidemiology data is essential to understand the burden of rheumatic diseases (prevalence) and their dynamic in the population (incidence). IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: No matter how simple such indicators may look, the correct collection of data and the appropriate interpretation of the results face several challenges: distinguishing indicators, facing the costs of obtaining data, using appropriate definition, identifying optimal sources of data, choosing among many survey methods, dealing with estimates precision, and standardizing results. SUMMARY: This study describes the underlying methodological difficulties to be overcome so as to make descriptive indicators reliable and interpretable.
Référence
Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2012 Mar;24(2):187-92.