CDC Health-Related Quality of Life Biostatistics Curricular Materials Overview
HRQOL Curricula Materials
- Biostatistics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Policy
Biostatistics Assignment 1
Title: Analysis of Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Data From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2007
Student is asked to download and analyze one of three BRFSS metropolitan statistical area data files (limited to n=500 each; made available in Excel format) to answer basic statistical questions on HRQOL. This assignment is appropriate for intermediate-level students.
Activities
Student learns to import data files, examine distribution of key variables, collapse and recode variables, and perform and interpret basic statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA).
Materials Included
- Professor lesson plan [DOC-55KB].
- Student instructions handout [DOC-38KB].
- PowerPoint slides with assignment background information and introduction.
- Three metropolitan statistical area (MSA) BRFSS data files in Excel format.
- Three data output files in Word format with answers to assignment’s questions. Please contact CDC-Info to request answer sheets.
- Histograms file in PDF format to show distribution of key variables [PDF-987KB].
- Codebook in Word format defining variables included in data files [DOC-88KB].
Biostatistics Assignment 2
Title: In-Class Group Discussion of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Data Analysis Assignment
This is a follow-up to assignment 1 consisting of a professor led, in-class discussion regarding the results of the first assignment. This assignment is appropriate for intermediate-level students.
Activities
Student learns to interpret calculations, discuss meaning in public health terms, and formulate hypotheses to explain HRQOL findings.
Materials Included
- Professor lesson plan [DOC-47KB].
- Student instructions handout [DOC-35KB].
- PowerPoint slides with assignment background information and introduction.
ASPH Competencies Addressed
- Describe the roles biostatistics serves in the discipline of public health.
- Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public health data.
- Apply common statistical methods for inference.
- Develop written and oral presentations on the basis of statistical analyses for both public health professionals and educated lay audiences.
