Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

11th Grade National Health (Q1)Epidemiology Case Introduction:Watch:

1. “Do Cell Phones Lead to Brain Cancer?” (CNN Health)

2. “5 sodas a Week = 87% increased risk in pancreatic cancer” (AP)

Discuss: Why is so much controversy around the causes of cancer?

Read:

Research suggests that as little as five percent of cancers are completely hereditary. That means the non-inherited causes of cancer — the lifestyle choices we make, the foods we eat, and our physical activity levels — have a direct impact on our overall cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society reports that half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Many of these cancers — including lung, colorectal, cervical, skin, breast, and prostate cancer — can be prevented through lifestyle changes or early detection and treatment.Source: www.preventcancer.org

Discuss: Do you think most people know how to prevent cancer? Why or why not?

Investigation:

Cancer is now the leading cause of death for people under 85, but cancer experts say this is largely preventable. Scientists estimate that more than 60 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are preventable through lifestyle changes. Although there is no certain way to avoid all cancers, reducing individual risk factors significantly decreases the likelihood of contracting many forms of this devastating disease.

Epidemiologist have already conducted many studies determine the greatest risk factors for cancer, but there is much controversy and more research is needed. During this case, your team of epidemiologists will investigate one type of cancer affecting Americans and design an epidemiological research study to investigate risk factors associated with that type of cancer. You will collect and analyze data and formally present your research findings in a paper.

To begin, you will conduct background research on cancer to help you understand the basic physiological process that happens when cancer invades the body. This research will be essential so that you have a strong foundation to build upon as you study one particular type of cancer.

Final Product:

Your final product will be in the form of a paper—specifically a scientific research paper based on epidemiological methods. Please refer to the Final Product Description for more details.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Case Homework #1: Find out more about cancer by using the Internet to research information that will help you prepare organized background research notes to present to your team.

2 Team members answering: "What is cancer?" and "How do people get it?"

Team member 1: __________________________________ Team member 2: __________________________________

2 Team members answering: "How does cancer spread?" and "How does cancer kill people?"

Team member 3: __________________________________ Team member 4: __________________________________*Remember the model of A, C,& F level work!

BACKGROUND RESEARCH NOTES Source(s): _______________________________________________________

*Attach additional sheets if necessary

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Identify the Problem—Choose a health-related outcome‘Cancer Stations’ Directions: Visit each station around the room to learn about different types of cancer. At each station you visit, view the websites and watch the video clips; then use the information to fill in each box with BRIEF notes. After visiting all stations, rank your choices to help determine your focus for the case. Your instructor will try to take your preferences into account when assigning your group a type of cancer.

Type of Cancer Symptoms Causes/RF’s Prevention

Rank (1-5) (After all station visits)

Colorectal (Colon)

- Often, no symptoms- Abdominal pain or tenderness- Change in bowels - Unexplained anemiaor weight loss

Breast

- Early stages: no symptoms- Breast lumps or other breast changes - Fluid from nipple- Pain or discomfort

Skin

- Any suspicious skin growth, especially:- Asymmetry- Colors vary- Borders irregular- Diameter larger than eraser

Cervical

- Usually no symptoms- Suspicious vaginal discharge- Changes in menstrual cycle

Lung

Late symptoms:- persistent cough- Coughing up blood- Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain- Loss of appetite or weight

Prostate

- Urinary function changes- Back pain- Pain during bowel movements- Blood in urine

*After you have competed all stations and ranked each one as a group, submit one copy of this paper to your instructor.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Case Homework #2: TEAMWORK: Brainstorm

1. Complete the left side of the T-chart below with research questions that help you learn more about your type of cancer and further clarify what you already know. 2. Assign questions to each team members for research. 3. Write your initial problem statement.

INDIVIDUAL HOMEWORK: Research1. Complete assigned reading & find at least 1 additional source on the Internet. Print and attach. Then, summarize your answers to your assigned questions in notes on the right side.2. Prepare risk factors to contribute to team by filling in at least 1 item for each box on the PBL matrix

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Research Questions: Research Findings:

Problem Statement:

Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________ *Remember the model of A, C, & F-level work!

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Case HW #2: Brainstorm Possible Risk Factors & Protective Factors on PBL Matrix for: __________________________

Level of Ecological Model

Individual (knowledge, attitude, skills, characteristics)

Interpersonal (family, friends, social networks)

Organizational/Community(organizations & institutions; school, workplace, neighborhood)

Public Policy/Societal (national, state, local laws & societal systems in place)

Pre-event

Defined as:__________________________________________

Ris

k Fa

ctor

s

Event

Defined as:__________________________________________

Ris

k Fa

ctor

s

Post-event

Defined as:__________________________________________

Ris

k Fa

ctor

s

*Predisposing RF=Lack of information *Enabling RF=Lack of access to $, time, location *Reinforcing RF=Lack of social support/attitudes

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Epidemiology Study Design Proposal: Use pencil—you may revise this later!

1. Decide on the factor to focus on from the PBL Matrix: ____________________________________________

2. Define the risk factor-outcome relationship to study:

Risk/Protective Factor: ________________________________________________ [characteristics, behaviors, etc.]

Outcome: ___________________________________________________ [Be certain this is a health-related. Ex: academic performance would not work]

3. Define the specific “Cases” of the Outcome to measure:

“Case” Definition: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Choose a study population. Clearly define the population group & characteristics to control for!

Population Group: Who will be your “subjects” in your study? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Characteristics to Control: What factors should you monitor to ensure your populations is a good representative sample of the total population?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Write the formal research question. (Clearly stated research question about a health problem (include RF & outcome!) concerning a clearly defined population.)

Research Question: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Determine what type of data to collect (primary or secondary)

Y / N Can we collect the necessary data based on our chosen population & ability to measure the risk factor & outcome? Y / N Can we find the necessary data based on our chosen population & ability to measure the risk factor & outcome?

We will use _______________________________________________ data in our epidemiological study.

7. Predict what type of study design would work best (descriptive or analytical [cross-sectional, case-control, cohort])We plan to use a _______________________________________________ epidemiological study.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Review of Study Designs: Use your class notes & this information to choose a study design.There are different types of epidemiological study designs, these include: 1. Descriptive Study Your first step might be to accurately describe the problem. A descriptive study answers types of questions like who, what, when, where, and how big. An example would be describing the frequency (prevalence) of a specific health problem in a particular group of people, or in one group compared to another. You might choose to determine the rate of cigarette smoking in the population of high school students at your school, and compare the rates between boys and girls. A descriptive study might measure the magnitude of a health problem in a particular group of people, or describe how it differs among people of different age, gender, ethnicity, geographical location, or other factors. In other words, the study describes the patterns of health and disease in people. A descriptive study can be used to identify key areas to investigate as possible causes of illness, injury, or death. 2. Analytic Studies An analytic study investigates the relationships between potential causal factors and health outcomes. Factors (also called independent variables) may be exposures (sunlight, smoky rooms), behaviors (exercise, eating habits), or characteristics (family history of asthma, immigrant status). A factor may be associated with an increase in the frequency of a health condition outcome (making it a possible risk factor for that health outcome) or with a decrease in the frequency of the health outcome (making it a possible protective factor). For example, descriptive studies have found that African American babies are twice as likely to die within the first year of life as white American babies. Knowing this information from a descriptive study, and then using knowledge about possible causal factors that have different likelihoods in the two populations, a researcher could test hypotheses about possible factors that could lead to this difference in death rate. As you think about possible causal factors, think about whether there is a possible mechanism that might explain how the factor could influence whether or not a health problem would occur, or in what form that problem would occur, or at what point in time. Also consider if there are other risk factors that might also contribute to the observed pattern that you might want to check into at the same time as you look at the factor you suspect is the most important determinant. You may several types of analytic studies to explore relationships between factors and an outcome.

Types of Analytic Studies Analytics studies in epidemiology are often observational in nature. "Observational" means that the investigator uses or collects data based upon observing actions or exposures of the people in the study without manipulating their environment in any way. One type of observational study is a cross-sectional study. In this study, the information on the exposure or risk factor is collected at the same time as information about the health outcome. Observational studies are often performed by using a survey. For example, high school athletes might answer questions on risk factors such helmet use, training, and type of sport they play, as well as questions on the outcome, such as what types of injuries and the severity of the injuries they have experienced playing different sports. Another type of observational analytic study is a cohort study. In this type of study, a group of people—a cohort—is selected and data on baseline characteristics is collected. Later, during a second data collection time, information on whether or not the individuals in the cohort experienced the health outcome of interest is gathered. For example, high school athletes might answer questions on a survey of risk factors at the beginning of a season and then at the end of the season answer questions on a survey of one or more health outcomes, such as whether or not they experienced a head injury during the season. A third type of observational study is a case-control study. In these studies, people who have already experienced the health outcome—the cases—are identified. A similar group of people who did not experience the health outcome—the controls—are also identified. Then information on risk factors or exposures that the study participants experienced over a period of time prior to the health outcome is collected. The histories of the cases and controls are then compared to see if they differ by suspected risk factors or other exposures. For example, high school athletes who visited an emergency room or doctor's office due to head injury could form the case group, while high school athletes who did not seek health care during the same time period could form the control group. Case Homework #3:

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Study Design Thinking MapUse this box to draw or take notes on how you might set up your research study.

Research Guide #1Purpose: To research baseline data on the risk factor(s) to determine significance of relationship with health outcome. Steps for Researching Baseline Data

1. Anticipate your desired research findings: Decide what information you hope to find when you research your risk factor. (This is an important step!)

2. Find a source: Locate a source from this list below or get one approved by your instructor.Acceptable sources:

- General Resource Websites: o www.hhs.gov o www.cdc.gov/mmwr o www.nih.gov

- Journal Article Search:o www.scholar.google.com

- Secondary Data Resources:o www.collegeboard.com/yes/ae/links.html

3. Print your source.4. Complete your research guide. If your research guide is not aligned, you will have to start again.5. Prepare to share research findings with team members and explain what you discovered about

how your risk factor is associated with your outcome.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Research Guide #1Source: (This must be written in bibliography form or your guide will not be accepted)

Take-Away #1 (Important quote or summary of results from a data set)

How does Take-Away #1 relate to your problem statement/risk factor?

Take-Away #2 (Important quote or summary of results from a data set)

How does Take-Away #2 relate to your problem statement/risk factor?

Summary/Main Idea

How does the information gathered in this source influence your study design?

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Mentor Meeting: Be sure you introduce yourselves, share your design proposals, ask thoughtful questions, rephrase concepts in your own words to show understanding, and take organized notes!

Discussion Points:- Topics from Research Design Proposal:

- Research question, “Case” definition, Population, Type of data, & Type of study design - Additional considerations:

- How will you collect the data?: survey, asset map, interview, prior published research- What is an adequate sample size? (Think about bias, accuracy, and reliability.)- What statistical tests or measures of association could be performed to quantify your results?- What else should your team consider?

Notes from Mentor Meeting:

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Case Homework #4: Complete Steps #1-3 below. Attach additional documents to end of packet.)

Research Guide #2: Purpose: To collect data for your study using primary or secondary data collection methods. Steps for Collecting Research Data:Step Primary Data Secondary Data#1: Prepare to collect data

Prepare your data collection tool (example: survey questions, asset map, interviews)

Explore possible data sets. You can start at:www.collegeboard.com/yes/ae/links.html* You will likely use data from a large survey or data collection project

#2: Determine logistics of data collection

- Determine/finalize target population- Determine sample size, subject pool, location, etc.- Plan time/place/resources to collect data (administering of survey, etc.)

- Investigate data sets: determine population used in data set, sample size, source, data collection tool used, etc.- Tweak research study design on order to work with desired data set, if needed

#3: Finalize your data collection tool

- Edit and finalize data collection tool with team members- Present to mentor and instructor for approval- Modify based on feedback- Print/copy documents

- Ensure your data set will answer your question; discuss as a team; decide on final data set to use- Present final data set to mentor/instructor- Print final data set

#4: Collect & organize your data

- Collect data (administer survey, create asset map, etc.)- Compile data- Organize data into a presentable format

- Compile relevant data- Organize your data into a presentable format

#5: Analyze your data set

- Use epidemiological analysis methods to quantify the results of your data and determine association between RF & outcome- Write 2-3 conclusions that you can draw from the data

- Use epidemiological analysis methods to quantify the results of your data and determine association between RF & outcome- Write 2-3 conclusions that you can draw from the data

Team Plan (for completing Steps #1-3 above)

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Case Homework #5: Complete Steps #4-5 from Research Guide #2; attach documents to end of packet

#4: Collect & organize your data

- Collect data (administer survey, create asset map, etc.)- Compile data- Organize data into a presentable format

- Compile relevant data- Organize your data into a presentable format

#5: Analyze your data set

- Use epidemiological analysis methods to quantify the results of your data and determine association between RF & outcome- Write 2-3 conclusions that you can draw from the data (below)

- Use epidemiological analysis methods to quantify the results of your data and determine association between RF & outcome- Write 2-3 conclusions that you can draw from the data (below)

Team Plan (for completing Steps #4-5)

Epidemiological Analysis: (ex: Relative Risk [RR] calculations; statistical tests)

Conclusions from Data Results:

1.

2.

3.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Final Product Description

Overview:Collaborative Research Paper (5-10 pages)

Purpose:Epidemiologists, like other scientists, write research papers to publish to their peers in order to share their work. You will write an epidemiological research paper to communicate your findings to your peers, your instructor, your mentor, and other staff members at UIC College Prep and in the UIC medical research community.

Content & Organization of Your Paper:

Your Research Report should be organized into the following sections. (Page length suggestions are in parentheses)Abstract (0.5 pg)Introduction (0.5 - 1 pg)Methods (1-1.5 pg)Results (1-1.5 pg)Discussion (2-3 pgs)List of references

Planning of Team Collaboration for Final Research Paper:

HW # Assignment Team Members Notes:1: 2: 3: 4:

6 Intro (2 people)

Methods (2 people)

7 Results (2 people)

Discussion (2 people)

8 Abstract (2 people)

References page (1 person)

Compile/Edit (1 person)

9 Finalize Paper (2 people)-Edit/print/email

1-page handout (2 people)-Print 7 copies--1 per group & email to instructor

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________

Research Paper Guidelines:

Content & Organization of Your Paper:Your Research Report should be organized into the following sections. (Page length re are in parentheses)

Abstract (0.5 pg)Introduction (0.5 - 1 pg)Methods (1-1.5 pg)Results (1-1.5 pg)Discussion (2-3 pgs)List of references

1. Abstract ( 1/2 page ) The abstract must succinctly state the purpose of the study or investigation, the basic methods (procedures for collection or selection of data and analytical methods), results (specific findings of importance) and the principal conclusions. The abstract should emphasize what is new or important about your study. Tip: Write your abstract after you write your full Research Report. This way, the elements you include in your abstract are organized and easy to summarize.

2. Research ReportYour Research Report should be divided into sections with these headings: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Subheadings may be used within the latter three sections if they clarify the content.

Introduction: the "why" section (min: 1/2 page) Your Introduction should state the purpose and rationale for your project. In it, you should state your research question succinctly, but thoroughly. The introduction should state why it is important to address this question, describe the population to be studied, and identify how your research result could make a difference.

Methods: the "how" section (min: 1 page) The Methods section lets you explain to other researchers how you conducted your study. It should be detailed enough to allow another researcher to replicate your procedures. In this section you should: Explain your study design Outline your procedures for data collection and include how and why you chose your data source. Explain all processes used for selecting and processing data, including those used for obtaining permission to use personal data (if applicable). Identify the age, gender, and other characteristics that made up inclusion criteria for the study population and explain why, if applicable. Explain the sampling technique, that is, how the participants in the study were chosen. Describe what material you obtained from subjects and how you obtained it, if applicable. If there was an exposure or intervention (e.g., exposure to a possible toxin or protective factor; a natural experiment due to a change in policy or regulation; or a preventative or therapeutic maneuver, such as a behavioral change program) describe the essential features, including duration and intensity. Define the primary outcome measure for the study. Generally, you should determine how you to measure the outcome before you begin collecting data. Tell us if the defined outcome measure changed during the research period and, if so, why. For example, the outcome measure for a project investigating the effectiveness of a community intervention to reduce obesity might be a 50% increase in average physical activity level. How would this be defined and measured? Explain the analytical methods used. Describe your statistical methods with enough detail so that a knowledgeable person with access to your original information can verify the results you report. Be sure to give standard references for statistical methods. Tell us why the analyses you carried out were appropriate for your study design.

Results: what did you find? (min: 1 page) The Results section is where you present the answer to the question posed by your project. Present your results in a logical sequence in the text, tables, and illustrations. Try not to repeat information in your text that is shown in your tables and figures; instead summarize the findings from each table and figure. Do not include tables listing each participant and their data points – that is your database, not your results! Describe the key quantitative findings, as well as the statistical tests assessing significance. For example, if your project explores the possibility of a causal relationship between use of cellular telephones and rates of brain cancer, you should report the rates of brain cancer in cell phone users and nonusers in addition to presenting the results of the statistical test (the "p" value) for the difference in rates, as only reporting the p value would not sufficiently convey your findings. Tip: You don't need to give a laundry list of every analysis you performed or could have performed. Your readers are more impressed if you can pick out and present the most salient results.

Discussion: what do your results mean? (min: 2 pages) In the Discussion section, describe how your results fit or do not fit with previous research studies. Emphasize the new and important aspects of your project, and the conclusions that justifiably can be drawn from the findings. Describe the meaning and implications of your results. Provide sufficient detail to support your interpretation.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________ Discuss the strengths and limitations of the study. Link your conclusions to the objectives of your project; avoid unqualified statements that are not completely supported by the data. Explain how your conclusions could lead to follow-up research. Outline any unanswered questions related to the project and explain how those could be addressed in a subsequent study. Discuss ways in which you might improve upon or modify the study to move the results forward.

3. References Every citation in your text must have a corresponding reference listed in alphabetical order at the end of your Research Report. Research Reports found to have improper or omitted citations, whether intentional or unintentional, will be disqualified. Review the Academic Integrity section of the research project guidelines.Follow American Psychological Association (APA) editorial style for citations and references. When using APA format, follow the author-date method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the year of publication for the source should appear in the text, e.g., (Jones, 1998), and a complete reference should be listed at end of your paper. For more information, refer to the APA Publication Manual (5th ed., 2001).

Choose a TitleEXAMPLES FORMATS FOR TITLES:

Topic: Prevalence and Risk FactorsFactor and Outcome in Population Ex: Concussions and Migraines in High School AthletesAn Epidemiological Study of Factor and Outcome in PopulationThe Impact of Factor on OutcomeProvocative/Interesting Question? Ex: Can Facebook Prevent Alzheimers?Examining the Relationship between Factor and OutcomeTopic: Causes, Extent, and EffectThe Association Between Factor and Outcome Among Population Ex: The Association Between Heavy Academic Workload and Sleep Deprivation Among High School Students

Formatting Requirements You must follow all formatting requirements according to the following specifications:

Typed Microsoft Word document.

Minimum 5 pages; Maximum of 10 pages (including abstract, figures, graphics, tables, and references.)

1-inch margins on all sides

Double-spaced text

12-point type, Arial font for all pages

Place captions below pictures and graphs. Use 10-point type, Arial font and single spacing for captions.

Number all pages in the lower right-hand corner, beginning with the first (Abstract) page.

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Name________________________________________________________ Date: ______________Evaluation Criteria Overall Criteria

Do the question, methods, results, and interpretation demonstrate originality and creativity?

Does the paper demonstrate critical thinking?

Does the team communicate clearly?

Introduction

Does the project address an important or interesting real-world problem that has a health outcome?

Does the paper explain or justify the important or interesting aspects of the project?

Does the paper state the research question succinctly, clearly, and competently?

Methods

Did the team select an appropriate design for the study's central question or hypothesis?

Did the team generate or find appropriate data sources for the study's central question or hypothesis?

Does the team's selection of analytical methods demonstrate an understanding of concepts of epidemiology?

Results

Has the team applied the analytical methods correctly (e.g., comparisons of groups, use of statistical tests)?

Does the team clearly state the results of the investigation? For example, does the student illustrate the results effectively with tables, graphs, or figures?

Do the results pertain to the research question asked?

Discussion

Does the team adequately explain or defend the choice of design, data sources, and analytic methods? (e.g., did they realize there were alternative ways to approach the question, but this is what was feasible or realistic or available?)

Does the team describe how the results of the study answer the research question, as well as how and why the findings contribute to the understanding of a health issue?

Does the team present a pathway for future research or interventions? Does the team present a rationale for any suggested follow-up studies?

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