4 ms·

The controlled for them in the standard way, by adding them into the (Cox) regression. The full list of controls is: "Other variables included in the analysis

The controlled for them in the standard way, by adding them into the (Cox) regression. The full list of controls is: "Other variables included in the analysis were age (35–44 years, 45–54 years, 55–64 years, 65–74 years and 75+ years), sex, smoking status (current smoker, ex-regular smoker, never smoked regularly) and social class of the head of household (manual, non-manual, other). Education (degree or equivalent qualification, other, no qualification), measured body mass index (BMI) (<20 kg/m2, 20–24.9 kg/m2, 25–29.9 kg/m2, ≥30 kg/m2), physical activity (as maximum activity intensity level in the past 4 weeks: inactive, light activity, moderate activity, vigorous activity) and alcohol consumption on heaviest drinking day in the previous week (non-drinker, drank within limits, drank above limits, drank more than twice the recommended daily limit) were also added to the models as indicated." The most obvious thing missing from this list to me is all other dietary related variables. For example, people who like the taste of plants are probably far less likely to enjoy eating red meat, salty foods, and many other things that have been associated with increased mortality.

awolf 13y ago
>For example, people who like the taste of plants are probably far less likely to enjoy eating red meat, salty foods, and many other things that have been associated with increased mortality. Which, incidentally, have really only been associated with increased mortality through flawed epidemiological studies such as this one.
- hyperbovine 13y ago
  Flawed is a strong word. There is little doubt that meat and sodium intake are associated with a number of poor health outcomes. (Run almost any regression you can think of.) That is a much weaker statement than saying the former causes the latter, which is why responsible researchers are reluctant to do so unless there is very convincing evidence. Even if you are not convinced of the causal link, you would be well served to moderate your consumption of these foods on the chance that one exists.
pessimizer 13y ago
>social class of the head of household (manual, non-manual, other). Education (degree or equivalent qualification, other, no qualification) Social class is manual/non-manual? What do retail and telemarketing count as? edit: I'm being a bit pithy here, but what I want to know is if someone who went to DeVry and works in telemarketing ends up higher class than me, a six-figure college dropout with six-figure college (Northwestern/Northern Illinois) graduate parents. Social class is almost fully determined by the wealth of people's parents, why don't we use it?

awolf 13y ago

>For example, people who like the taste of plants are probably far less likely to enjoy eating red meat, salty foods, and many other things that have been associated with increased mortality. Which, incidentally, have really only been associated with increased mortality through flawed epidemiological studies such as this one.

hyperbovine 13y ago
Flawed is a strong word. There is little doubt that meat and sodium intake are associated with a number of poor health outcomes. (Run almost any regression you can think of.) That is a much weaker statement than saying the former causes the latter, which is why responsible researchers are reluctant to do so unless there is very convincing evidence. Even if you are not convinced of the causal link, you would be well served to moderate your consumption of these foods on the chance that one exists.

pessimizer 13y ago

>social class of the head of household (manual, non-manual, other). Education (degree or equivalent qualification, other, no qualification) Social class is manual/non-manual? What do retail and telemarketing count as? edit: I'm being a bit pithy here, but what I want to know is if someone who went to DeVry and works in telemarketing ends up higher class than me, a six-figure college dropout with six-figure college (Northwestern/Northern Illinois) graduate parents. Social class is almost fully determined by the wealth of people's parents, why don't we use it?