Basic concept of Biostatistics

Minal Raorane.
M.sc . Biostatistics
Definition

Biostatistics-
“It is the basic science of Collection ,Classification, Analysis,
Quantification, and Interpretation of data in relation to vital
event.”
Or
“Biostatistics is branch of statistic that deals with vital events in
human population .” These vital events are birth, death,
sickness ,marriage,divorese etc.
Use of Biostatistics

 To define and quantify the nature and extent of illness and

death in the community.
 To establish causation for existence of health problem.
 To plan health measure.
 To evaluate outcome of health measures.
 For comparison.
 For research.
Variable

“Any numerical value which varies from one individual to

other is called variable.” For example –height and weight for
the individual variables .

The characteristics of the person, objects or phenomenon that

can take on different value s are variables.

Variables are represented by letters X,Y,Z.

Types of Variables.

1 .Independent variables-
A variables that are use to describe the factors that are
assumed to causes or influence the problem are called
independent variables.
Examples-
Smoking causes lung cancer. In which smoking is the
independent variables while lung cancer is dependent
variables.
Types of Variables.
2. Dependent variables-
The variables that get modified under the influence of
independent variables are called dependent variables.
The variables may classified as below :
 Continuous variables
 Discontinuous variables

 Continuous variables-Any variables which can assume range is

called continuous variables.
Examples-height (4-6.2 ft for human) ,speed of car(0-150 km/hr)
Types of Variables.

 Discontinuous variables –
“Any variables which can assume a specific value is called
discontinuous variables .”
Examples-
Numbers of rooms in house or no of family members in
certain family. These can’t be in fraction.
Population and parameters

 Population- A group of individuals that we would like to know

something about.
 Parameters- A characteristics of the population in which we
have a particular interest.
 Examples-
1. The proportion of the population that would respond to a
certain drug.
2. The association between a risk factors and a disease in a
population.
Role of Biostatistics
 Identify and develop the treatment for disease and estimate
their effects.
 Identify the risk factor of disease .
 Design, analysis, interpret and reports of clinical study.
 develop the statistical methodologies to address questions
arising from medical / public health.
 Locate, define and measure extent of disease.
 Ultimate objective-
Improve the health of individual and community.