Question

Confounding factor is defined as :

• A. Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
• B. Factor associated with exposure only and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
• C. Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.
• D. Factor associated with the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

A confounding factor is a variable in a study that influences both the dependent variable (disease) and independent variable (exposure) and can skew the results thereby creating a false association. This factor is problematic as it can lead to incorrect conclusions if not controlled. Confounding occurs when the presence of this variable distorts the apparent effect of exposure on the outcome of the study. It must be associated with both the exposure and the disease, and importantly, must be distributed unequally between study and control groups, indicating its potential to bias the results.

Hence, the option that defines a confounding factor is: Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.