Question:medium
A confounding factor is best defined as which of the following?
A confounding factor is best defined as which of the following?
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Linked to both exposure and disease, and unequally distributed between groups.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with exposure only and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Build the definition from the two essential properties a confounder must possess simultaneously.
Step 2: First, it must be an independent risk factor for the disease and also be related to the exposure being studied; a variable tied to only one of these cannot confound.
Step 3: Second, it must differ in frequency between the compared groups (unequal distribution), because an equally distributed factor would not bias the comparison. Only the option satisfying both - linked to exposure and disease, distributed unequally - is correct. \[\boxed{\text{Associated with exposure and disease, distributed unequally}}\]
Step 2: First, it must be an independent risk factor for the disease and also be related to the exposure being studied; a variable tied to only one of these cannot confound.
Step 3: Second, it must differ in frequency between the compared groups (unequal distribution), because an equally distributed factor would not bias the comparison. Only the option satisfying both - linked to exposure and disease, distributed unequally - is correct. \[\boxed{\text{Associated with exposure and disease, distributed unequally}}\]
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