Quantitative Research in Health Sciences

Course Description

This intermediate-level course, offered by URosarioX, is designed to introduce students to the principles of quantitative research in health sciences. Taught in Spanish, the course provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiological designs, their components, applications, strengths, and weaknesses. Students will gain a deep understanding of validity and reliability in research, learn to identify various types of biases, and explore the concept of confounding variables and their implications in health science research.

What Students Will Learn

  • Understand frequency measures and disease occurrence, association measures, and the classification and scope of epidemiological designs.
  • Comprehend the importance of validity, bias, and confounding concepts in generating conclusions in health science research.
  • Learn how to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including the use of software to facilitate these processes.
  • Develop skills in assessing bias risk and evidence certainty using the GRADE system.
  • Gain practical experience through case studies, epidemiological studies, and analysis of real public health research.

Prerequisites

While no specific prerequisites are mentioned, an intermediate level of knowledge in health sciences or related fields would be beneficial. Proficiency in Spanish is essential, as the course is conducted entirely in this language.

Course Coverage

  • Frequency and association measures in epidemiology
  • Epidemiological designs and diagnostic tests
  • Bias and confounding in research
  • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • The GRADE system for assessing evidence quality
  • Ethical implications of health science research
  • Use of software tools like RevMan and GRADEpro

Target Audience

This course is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals in health sciences, medicine, public health, and related fields who want to enhance their understanding of quantitative research methods and epidemiological designs. It is particularly suitable for those looking to improve their skills in conducting and interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are directly applicable to various aspects of health science research and practice. Learners will be able to:

  1. Design and conduct more robust epidemiological studies
  2. Critically evaluate existing research and its validity
  3. Perform systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform evidence-based practice
  4. Make more informed decisions in public health and clinical settings
  5. Contribute to the advancement of health science knowledge through rigorous research methods

Syllabus

  1. Frequency and association measures

    • Frequency measures
    • Occurrence and association measures
    • Occurrence cases

  2. Epidemiological designs and diagnostic tests

    • Descriptive observational studies
    • Analytical observational studies
    • Performance measurement studies
    • Clinical experiments

  3. Bias and confounding

    • Bias
    • Confounding

  4. Systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE system

    • Systematic reviews: clinical questions and criteria
    • Systematic reviews: selection, evaluation, data extraction, and analysis
    • Meta-analysis
    • Use of RevMan
    • GRADE system
    • Use of GRADEpro

This comprehensive course offers a valuable opportunity for students to develop essential skills in quantitative research within the health sciences field, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors in this critical area of study.