Students of medical and nursing science face many
difficulties while conducting research and using statistics. Due to lack of
mathematical background, many students find it difficult and frustrating topic
to understand. However, it is a basic science of medicine and nursing. No
development is possible without application of epidemiology, research methods
and statistics. Therefore, Medical Council of India (MCI) Govt of India, has
made mandatory to undergo course on research methodology.
There are many books on medical
statistics which explain basic concepts and principles but when it comes to
calculating simple averages and normal deviations, many students find it
difficult to do so. Statistics explain why one has to take sample, what type of
data should be recorded, how it can be compiled, analyzed and interpreted; why
groups should be compared and if difference is found then how it should be
expressed. The most difficult part is calculating values using various statistical
formulas. But due to invent of computers these calculations are no more a
difficult task rather it can be done within seconds. Scientists have developed
sophisticated software to do this job using different methods at the same time.
Now problem has changed its face because one should know which statistics
should be used in which condition and how and what computer software to be used
and how to interpret the values.
This book solves many of these
problems: explaining concepts of statistics required for a student, introducing
commonly used statistics software and explaining data entry and analysis in a
simple and stepwise manner. One can do statistical analysis oneself following
tips giving in this book. Google provides many services which can be used in
data collection is also part of this book.
The book is having sections on describing
clinical data, performance of a diagnostic test, hypothesis testing and risk
measures. Students can learn how to present data in graphs and figures. Most of
the statistics books do not explain performance of diagnostic tests. However,
in medical setting selection of diagnostic or screening test is based on its
sensitivity and specificity beside ROC. Kappa statistics is also explained. The
concept of probability, null hypothesis, test of significance, correlation and
regression are explained. For students multivariate analysis such as linear and
logistic regression analysis is also given. In the end, odds ratio, relative
risk and attributable risk calculation by the computer is also shown. In total,
this book covers basic statistics along with higher statistics in a simple and
impressive manner. Authors have tried to avoid technical jargon and formulae as
far as possible and each calculation is explained using an example to make it
more comprehending and user friendly.
This attempt of authors is highly
commendable because they have chosen the subject which is urgently required to
be addressed. The book would be useful for students of public health, medical
and nursing science, dental and alternative system of medicine. This new
edition is a real improvement in its presentation, content, and explanation.
Slowly the popularity of book is increasing and I congratulate both the young
authors for their hard work and wish them they should continue to update for
the benefit of students in coming time also.
Dr. Jugal Kishore, MD, PhD, FAMS,
FIMSA, FIPHA, FIAPSM, FIASS, FIAAH, FISCD
Director Professor & Head, Department
of Community Medicine
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College
& Safdarjung Hospital
New Delhi
