Applied Biostatistics for the Health Sciences

An authoritative, yet accessible, introduction to essential key methods used in the statistical analysis of data in the health sciences

Applied Biostatistics for the Health Sciences successfully introduces readers to the basic ideas and modeling approaches used in biostatistics through both step-by-step explanations and the use of data from the latest research in the fi eld. By focusing on the correct use and interpretation of statistics rather than computation, this book covers a wide range of modern statistical methods without requiring a high level of mathematical preparation.

The book promotes a primary emphasis on the correct usage, interpretation, and conceptual ideas associated with each presented concept. The author begins with a discussion of basic biostatistical methods used to describe sample data arising in biomedical or health-related studies. Subsequent chapters explore numerous modeling approaches used with biomedical and health care data, including simple and multiple regression, logistic regression, experimental design, and survival analysis. Combined with a focus on the importance of constructing and implementing well-designed sampling plans, the book outlines the importance of assessing the quality of observed data, collecting quality data, and using confi dence intervals in conjunction with hypothesis and signifi cance tests.

Composed of extensively class-tested material, the book contains numerous pedagogical features that assist readers with a complete understanding of the presented concepts. Key formulae, procedures, and defi nitions are highlighted in enclosed boxes, and a glossary at the end of each chapter reviews key terminology and ideas. Worked-out examples and exercises illustrate important concepts and the proper use of statistical methods using MINITAB^® output, and the examples in each section showcase the relevance of the discussed topics in modern research. A related Web site houses all of the data related to the book's case studies and exercises.

Applied Biostatistics for the Health Sciences is an excellent introductory book for health science and biostatistics courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable resource for practitioners and professionals in the fields of pharmacy, biochemistry, nursing, health care informatics, and the applied health sciences.