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Review
. 2011 Fall;2(4):289-98.

Sample size estimation in epidemiologic studies

Karimollah Hajian-Tilaki  1
Affiliations
Review

Sample size estimation in epidemiologic studies

Karimollah Hajian-Tilaki. Caspian J Intern Med. 2011 Fall.

Abstract

This review basically provided a conceptual framework for sample size calculation in epidemiologic studies with various designs and outcomes. The formula requirement of sample size was drawn based on statistical principles for both descriptive and comparative studies. The required sample size was estimated and presented graphically with different effect sizes and power of statistical test at 95% confidence level. This would help the clinicians to decide and ascertain a suitable sample size in research protocol in order to detect an effect of interest.

Keywords: Binary outcome; Comparative studies; Continuous outcome; Effect size; Sample size; Statistical power.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sample size with respect to prevalence rate and maximum marginal error for estimation of prevalence
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sample size with respect to effect size (d/σ) for estimation of mean
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sample size with respect to effect size (μ1- μ2/σ) and power in comparative study of two population means
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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