Causal inference in environmental epidemiology
- Author:
Sanghyuk BAE
1
;
Hwan Cheol KIM
;
Byeongjin YE
;
Won Jun CHOI
;
Young Seoub HONG
;
Mina HA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Causality; Epidemiology; Environmental exposure; Validity
- MeSH: Bias (Epidemiology); Checklist; Environmental Exposure; Epidemiology
- From:Environmental Health and Toxicology 2017;32(1):2017015-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Inferring causality is necessary to achieve the goal of epidemiology, which is to elucidate the cause of disease. Causal inference is conducted in three steps: evaluation of validity of the study, inference of general causality, and inference of individual causality. To evaluate validity of the study, we propose a checklist that focuses on biases and generalizability. For general causal inference, we recommend utilizing Hill’s 9 viewpoints. Lastly, individual causality can be inferred based on the general causality and evidence of exposure. Additional considerations may be needed for social or legal purposes; however, these additional considerations should be based on the scientific truth elucidated by the causal inference described in the present article.
