Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards causal directed acyclic graphs: a qualitative research project.
Eur J Epidemiol
; 36(7): 659-667, 2021 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34114186
Causal graphs provide a key tool for optimizing the validity of causal effect estimates. Although a large literature exists on the mathematical theory underlying the use of causal graphs, less literature exists to aid applied researchers in understanding how best to develop and use causal graphs in their research projects. We sought to understand why researchers do or do not regularly use DAGs by surveying practicing epidemiologists and medical researchers on their knowledge, level of interest, attitudes, and practices towards the use of causal graphs in applied epidemiology and health research. We used Twitter and the Society for Epidemiologic Research to disseminate the survey. Overall, a majority of participants reported being comfortable with using causal graphs and reported using them 'sometimes', 'often', or 'always' in their research. Having received training appeared to improve comprehension of the assumptions displayed in causal graphs. Many of the respondents who did not use causal graphs reported lack of knowledge as a barrier to using DAGs in their research. Causal graphs are of interest to epidemiologists and medical researchers, but there are several barriers to their uptake. Additional training and clearer guidance are needed. In addition, methodological developments regarding visualization of effect measure modification and interaction on causal graphs is needed.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Gráficos por Computador
/
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde
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Projetos de Pesquisa Epidemiológica
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Causalidade
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Interpretação Estatística de Dados
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Epidemiol
Assunto da revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos