title: Causality in epidemiology.
abstract: This article provides an introduction to the meaning of causality in epidemiology and methods that epidemiologists use to distinguish causal associations from non-causal ones. Alternatives to causal association are discussed in detail. Hill's guidelines, set forth approximately 50 years ago, and more recent developments are reviewed. The role of religious and philosophic views in our understanding of causality is briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA. farin.kamangar@morgan.edu
authors.forename: Farin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kamangar
mesh_terms: D015984:Causality; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D004813:Epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010684:Philosophy; D012067:Religion