SURVIVING “RISK FACTOR FRENZY”
The Perils Of Applying Epidemiological Research
In Health Education & Promotion
Epidemiology is concerned with the identification of lifestyle factors
associated with disease and premature mortality. Using these “risk
factors”
health professionals counsel people on recommendations for lifestyle
change.
Unfortunately, this type of research was never intended to be applied
to
individuals. Furthermore scientists, the media and the general public
are
often unclear about the difference between cause and association,
resulting
in confusion and anxiety concerning health recommendations and a loss
of
credibility for health professionals. This workshop will explore the
proper
and improper use of epidemiological “risk factor” research in health
education
and promotion. Implications for promoting health and for the role of
the health professional will
be explored.
Facilitator:
Jonathan Robison, Ph.D., MS
Assistant Professor
Michigan
State University
Phone: (517) 507-0287
Fax: (517) 507-0265
e-mail: robisonj@msu.edu
www.jonrobison.net