Matthew J. Hayat|Amanda Powell|T. N. Johnson|Betsy L. Cadwell
Statistical methods used in the public health literature and implications for training of public health professionals
Georgia State University|Georgia State University|Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services|Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|Georgia State University|Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services|Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
statistical literacy knowledge needed read understand public health literature purpose study quantify basic advanced statistical methods used public health research randomly sampled 216 published articles seven top tier general public health journals studies reviewed two readers standardized data collection form completed article data analyzed descriptive statistics frequency distributions results summarized statistical methods used literature including descriptive inferential statistics modeling advanced statistical techniques statistical software used approximately 819 articles reported observational study design 931 articles substantively focused descriptive statistics table graphical form reported 95 articles statistical inference reported 76 studies reviewed results reveal types statistical methods currently used public health literature although study obtain information taught information statistical methods used useful curriculum development graduate health sciences education well making informed decisions continuing education public health professionals