Question

A study reports different hospital admission rates for various diseases, potentially affecting the observed association. What type of bias does this represent?

• A. Confounding bias
• B. Recall bias
• C. Berksonian bias
• D. Selection bias

Hint:

Berksonian bias = Hospital-based selection bias where admission rates distort exposure–disease association.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Scenario.
The question mentions different hospital admission rates influencing the observed association.
This suggests that the study population is hospital-based rather than community-based.
Step 2: Concept of Berksonian Bias.
Berksonian bias occurs when the combination of exposure and disease increases the probability of hospital admission.
This leads to a distorted association between exposure and disease in hospital-based studies.
It is a type of selection bias specific to hospitalized patients.
Step 3: Elimination of Other Options.
Confounding bias occurs when a third variable distorts the exposure-disease relationship.
Recall bias occurs when participants inaccurately remember past exposures.
General selection bias refers broadly to improper sampling.
However, hospital admission rate distortion specifically indicates Berksonian bias.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the bias described in the question is Berksonian bias.