title: The role of conceptual frameworks in epidemiological analysis: a hierarchical approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper discusses appropriate strategies for multivariate data analysis in epidemiological studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  In studies where determinants of disease are sought, it is suggested that the complex hierarchical inter-relationships between these determinants are best managed through the use of conceptual frameworks. Failure to take these aspects into consideration is common in the epidemiological literature and leads to underestimation of the effects of distal determinants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An example of this analytical approach, which is not based purely on statistical associations, is given for assessing determinants of mortality due to diarrhoea in children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conceptual frameworks provide guidance for the use of multivariate techniques and aid the interpretation of their results in the light of social and biological knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP, RS, Brasil.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Victora
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Huttly
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Olinto
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors