Epidemiology methods for practice by obstetricians in developing countries - I

It is important to understand that any epidemiologic research study can only test some part of the observed association given that broader sets of factors (social, economic, environmental etc.) acting in the actual causal mechanism are largely unknown.[1] It is very important to understand concepts and principles that govern epidemiology to arrive at logical inferences.[1, 2] In developed countries, modern practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) involves the integration of highly specialized disciplines such as reproductive epidemiology.[3] Although most of the developing countries are passing through a phase witnessing laudable achievements in upholding clinical skills in the field of OBG, conducting research studies, updating knowledge and implementing sound epidemiological skills still remained grey areas.[4, 5]