Table 3 The possible reasons for the high variability of epidemiological parameters observed in the different studies
Epidemiological parameter | Reason for variability |
|---|---|
Prevalence | Definition of disease |
Diagnostic guidelines | |
Healthcare system related | |
Methodological differences | |
Incidence | Improved diagnostics |
Improved health care system | |
Ageing population | |
Drug availability | |
Mortality | Clinical recognition |
Changes in diagnostic coding | |
M/F ratio | Occupational exposures |
Population smoking habits |