How would you define controls for this study? What methods might be used to identify controls?

To test the hypothesis on the source of the outbreak, a case-control study was conducted from July 21-27. Thirty-one of the initial 38 persons meeting the original case definition (i.e., those not used in hypothesis generating interviews) were included as cases. It was decided that two controls would be selected for every case and would be matched to the case by age group (0-<2 years, 2-<5 years, 5-<12 years, 12-<18 years, 18-<60 years, and 60+ years) and gender.

The investigators identified controls for the study using sequential digit dialing. Exposure information among cases was collected for the 7 days before onset of illness. For controls, exposure information was collected for the 7 days before the interview and for the 7 days before the onset of illness in the matching case.

Twenty-seven case-control sets were interviewed; the remaining case-patients could not be reached.

Please answer these questions:

1.How would you define controls for this study? What methods might be used to identify controls?
2.Do you agree with the investigators’ decision to match on age group and gender? Why or why not?
3.Over what time period would you examine exposures to possible risk factors for cases? For controls?

Length: SLP assignments should be at least 2 pages (500 words) in length.

References: At least two references must be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (APA format recommended). Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question Format: APA format is recommended for this assignment. Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.