In a case-control study, cases of myocardial infarction are compared with age- and sex-matched controls for prior use of hormone replacement therapy. Exposure data is collected by interview. The most significant bias operating in this study is:
- A Berkson's bias
- B Hawthorne effect
- C Recall bias ✓
- D Lead-time bias
Correct answer: C. Recall bias
Explanation
Recall bias occurs in case-control studies when cases (disease-affected individuals) recall and report past exposures differently (often more completely) than controls. People who have experienced an adverse event are more likely to remember and report prior exposures. Berkson's bias is a selection bias from hospital-based studies; lead-time bias occurs in screening studies.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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