Alan J. Silman

To successfully conduct an epidemiological study, academic subject knowledge must be combined with careful consideration of the practical elements involved. From an academic perspective, insights into the basis of epidemiology, the concepts behind how we study diseases, and the challenges and limitations of the results that emerge are prioritised. However, the success of the academic analysis depends on how, when, and where the data used is collected. Epidemiological Studies: A Practical Guide focuses on the practical challenges of epidemiological data collection. Essential topics, such as how to choose the population to study, how to maximise participation and retention, and how to frame questions so that subjects provide the information required, are the core of the material presented. The book explains the skills needed to conduct a study where data is collected and presented accurately, and in appropriate formats. In addition to presenting a step-by-step guide to epidemiological investigations, the chapters in the book are accompanied by examples of how to phrase the letters and forms needed for each stage of conducting a study. Focusing on measurement, study designs, statistics, methodological issues, and key skills, the book provides a valuable background to epidemiological study. With detailed tables and figures, a clear chapter outline, and a straightforward index, the information presented is easily accessible and can quickly be applied to the reader's own work. Extensively revised, this new edition includes updates on case-crossover, Mendelian randomisation, and case-cohort. New chapters have been added to reflect the areas a student is now likely to encounter in an introductory epidemiological course, such as evidence synthesis, use of routine data, association or causation, feasibility, and pilot studies. Epidemiological Studies: A Practical Guide is ideal for students in epidemiology, public health, health research, and health services research. It is also highly relevant to post-graduate research students, and early stage clinical and non-clinical researchers.

This major reference work is the first comprehensive text to review in detail the data currently available on the epidemiology of the main rheumatic and musco-skeletal diseases. The problems of disease definition and criteria are considered with data on the occurrence of these diseases, both prevalence and incidence, and their variation with age, sex, geographical area, ethnic group, and trends over time. The results of epidemiological investigations,looking at both genetic and environmental risk factors, are considered and the impact of specific diseases of survival is also considered. Covering 15 disease areas from inflammatory joint disease and connective tissue disease to degenerative joint disease and non-articular conditions, such as low back pain and carpel tunnel syndrome, this is the only text available which offers full coverage of the subject with a truly international perspective.

Following on in the footsteps of its acclaimed and popular predecessor, this new edition builds on the successful features that engaged readers of the first edition: it explains the principles and practice of epidemiology and serves as a handbook for those who wish to do epidemiology; it uses relevant exercises and examples, taken from real life, to illustrate how to set up a study; it aims to help produce valid results that will satisfy grant bodies, ethical committees and journal editors; ultimately it bridges the gap between theory and practice. By making the subject so easily accessible, it will be an excellent introduction for anyone who is training in epidemiology and public health, and for all those involved in medical research. This edition includes numerous improvements and several new chapters which will further enhance its appeal.