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Chapter Introduction Is Comprises of Use of Statistics in Science and Research, Definition of Statistics, Along With Use in Medicine and Health

This document provides an introduction to statistics and its uses in biological sciences and medicine. It defines statistics as quantitative data affected by multiple factors that can be analyzed using statistical methods. Descriptive statistics describe sample properties while inductive statistics generalize sample results to populations. Statistics is used in epidemiology, public health, treatment and research to analyze data, evaluate programs, and improve patient care and outcomes. Examples of its historical uses in preventive medicine and hospitals are also provided.

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66 views

Chapter Introduction Is Comprises of Use of Statistics in Science and Research, Definition of Statistics, Along With Use in Medicine and Health

This document provides an introduction to statistics and its uses in biological sciences and medicine. It defines statistics as quantitative data affected by multiple factors that can be analyzed using statistical methods. Descriptive statistics describe sample properties while inductive statistics generalize sample results to populations. Statistics is used in epidemiology, public health, treatment and research to analyze data, evaluate programs, and improve patient care and outcomes. Examples of its historical uses in preventive medicine and hospitals are also provided.

Uploaded by

chougule
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter I - Introduction

Chapter Introduction is comprises of use of statistics in science and


research, definition of Statistics, along with use in Medicine and Health.

[Type text] Page 1


Introduction

Providing and applying valid evidence to improve existing practice should


be the hallmark of every professional. Biological sciences have very large
variability, and it is difficult to understand completely all the parameters
contributing to this variability in the outcome of the variable (event) under
study. In this situation Bio-statistics as a science has a great role, to play
for identifying the variables and their contributions in the health and
disease.
Statistics as a science has been responsible for accelerating progress in our
knowledge by defining the correct methods of planning, collecting,
analyzing and interpreting data for identifying the cause and effect
relationship.
Planning and collecting data are imperative in any empirical research. The
aim of the research remains to know the probability of an outcome of
interest, and its magnitude along with its determinants. Hence, a care
should be taken, that the probability of the event of interest and factors
affecting it across entire study is not compromised, while designing the
experiment, proper sampling technique used, and the care is taken to
ensure good quality of data during collection.

The research in biological sciences can be divided in two groups namely i)


basic, and ii) applied. The ‘basic’ research is usually i) experimental or ii)
to study the relationship of anatomical, physiological, or biochemical
variables, or both with or without any stimulant. The ‘applied research’ is
aimed to benefit either the patients in hospital setup, or the community at
large; in both the situations researcher must not deviate from research
objectives from planning to the execution of the research.
It is useful to define the term statistics, so that while discussing the subject
matter, it does not confuse the reader.
The term statistics has been assigned three different meanings in the
literature. The data set usually is in the form of matrix, where rows indicate
records across sampling units i.e. individuals, clusters or communities, and
the columns indicate the variables, which are expected to measure directly
or indirectly the set objectives.
Facts and Figures about the various health matters are usually important for
planning, and monitoring the health programs initiated by government or
private agencies, they are also known as statistics.
Following three definitions of Statistics must always be remembered, while
doing the Data Analysis.

 As a set of a data, ‘facts and figures’ e.g. health statistics, vital


statistics and business statistics etc., arranged in a manner, so that
comparisons are made.
 As a body of science dealing with statistical methods for
planning, collection, analysis and interpretation of data affected
by multiple factors and their multiplicity.
 The summarizing constants generated from the sample data e.g.
mean, standard deviation, Correlation Coefficient etc. are also
known as Statistics. They are the constants computed from the
sample data, and used for generalizing for the population
constants; which are known as parameters.

The average height of Indian adult males is 165 cm with standard deviation
of 5 cm; in case height follows a Normal Distribution, then 68 percent of
Indian adult males are expected to have their heights from 160 to 170 cm,
this is an example of descriptive statistics.
To estimate the height distribution of Indian adult males; a random sample
of 100 Indian adult males was drawn, giving Mean of 166 cm with
Standard Deviation of 5 cm, resulting in Standard Error of 0.5 cm,
indicating if the similar studies are conducted then 95 percent times the
mean of Indian adult height will lie in the range of 165 to 167 cm, this is an
example of an Inductive/Inferential Statistics.

Hence, all the data collected and the procedures used in data collection
may not form the statistics, hence, it imperative to define the term
‘Statistics’: as quantitative data; affected to a marked extent by multiplicity
of causes and the statistical methods; specially adopted to the elucidation
of quantitative data affected by multiplicity of causes. Statistics can be
descriptive or inductive.
The descriptive statistics are the constants computed from sample, which
describe the properties of the sample. Whereas, in inductive statistics the
constants (statistics) computed from the sample are generalized for the
population, usually, using large sample theories of statistics.

Uses
Subconsciously or consciously the statistics is used in all walks of life from
choosing the daily utilities to the selection of the life partner. In
epidemiology, Public Health care delivery, and individual patient’s
treatment, in exploring newer diagnostic tools, and procedures &
treatments. Statistics applications can be guessed from the published
material available on the subject matter.

Preventive Medicine
John Graunt, known as father of the Medical Statistics, was neither a
physician nor a mathematician. He used to earn his livelihood from burial
ground, and as a common sense, he analyzed the ‘Mortality Bills’ to know
age, sex and seasonal variations in the mortality in the year 1662, and
published his work as ‘Natural and Political observations made upon Bills
of mortality’. He exhibited many uniformities and predictability of
important events.
Sir John Snow determined the spread of ‘cholera’ through polluted water
using statistical reasoning by tabulating the ‘cholera’ cases of London by
its water supply, well before the discovery of germs theory by Pasteur.
The functions of statistics in the field of Public Health is to collect and
present relevant, reliable, complete and comparable up-to-date information
about prevalent communicable and non-communicable diseases in the
community, so that Administrators, Public Health personnel and healthcare
providers can take early and needed action.
The analysis of community health needs may be important for meeting the
health needs of the population, and may also provide valuable tools for
healthcare delivery. The study of prevalent diseases in the community are
always useful for controlling or eradicating the diseases, which may give
valuable information about success or failure of the Public Health
programme initiated by the Government or the Private Agencies.

Medicine
Information from the hospital records, though at times incomplete,
provides valuable data for the study of prognosis, which intern helps in
patient care, improving the prognosis, improving hospital facilities, and
environment. The hospital records based studies may not be generalizable
for other hospitals or community, but are essential and useful for the
patient and the healthcare providers at least in the hospital where the study
is carried out. Such studies are even useful for other healthcare facilities
by adjusting the results according to their needs.
Exercises
1. Describe Biostatistics, its uses with suitable example.
2. In Evidence Based Medicine, what is the use of statistics, explain
with suitable example.

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