The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases Flashcards – AQA GCSE Biology - Foundation (8461)

What does lung disease incidence measure?

New cases in a defined population over a stated period.

What can lung disease incidence data be used to examine?

Associations between lung disease and risk factors, such as smoking and pollution.

What three aspects must be considered when comparing lung disease incidence data?

The populations, time periods, and exposure measures used.

What does a correlation between two variables mean, and what does it not establish?

The variables vary together, but this alone does not establish that one causes the other.

How can other factors confound an association between an exposure and lung disease incidence?

They may influence both the exposure and disease incidence.

What should be considered when interpreting a risk factor–disease association causally?

Study design, possible confounding, and the strength and consistency of evidence.

What is a disease risk factor?

Something associated with an increased chance or rate of a disease.

What kinds of things can be disease risk factors?

Lifestyle aspects, such as diet or smoking, and substances present in the body or environment.

Does an association between a risk factor and a disease establish causation?

No. Some risk factors have demonstrated causal mechanisms; others are associated with disease without a proven cause-and-effect mechanism.

How can several factors contribute to a disease?

They can interact to cause disease, rather than the disease having a single cause.

How can lifestyle and environmental risks contribute to differences in disease incidence between populations?

Populations can differ in their exposure to these risks.

Does exposure to a risk factor mean a person will develop the disease?

No. A risk factor increases the probability of disease but does not make it certain.

What is sampling in a population study?

Using a subset of a population to investigate patterns that may apply to the wider population.

Why should a sample be large enough in a risk-factor study?

To reduce the effect of chance variation.

What should sample selection aim to achieve in a risk-factor study?

The sample should represent the population being studied.

How does random selection affect selection bias and representativeness?

It can reduce selection bias, but does not guarantee a representative sample.

How can systematic differences between a sample and the wider population affect a risk-factor study?

They can make estimates of exposure or disease frequency misleading.

How can lifestyle choices affect the risk of coronary artery blockage?

Food and physical activity choices can lower the chance of a blockage developing.

How can a healthy diet help reduce coronary heart disease risk?

By reducing excessive fat intake and helping maintain a healthy body mass, it can help prevent conditions that strain the heart and blood vessels.

How can regular exercise help reduce coronary heart disease risk?

It helps the circulatory system work efficiently, improves fitness and reduces problems associated with inactivity.