Health and Numbers

Basic Biostatistical Methods

Chap T. Le and James R. Boen

Today, all professionals and students in medical and allied health fields need a working knowledge of the methods for statistical analysis. Unfortunately, the dry language and complex formulas of most statistics texts can be intimidating for those who are not mathematical specialists.

Health and Numbers attempts to rectify that dilemma by providing a practical introduction to the statistical methods used in medical and health care settings. Unlike other texts, this book features a lively, user-friendly style that makes the material accessible to all readers— regardless of inexperience with biostatistics, or even acute "math phobia." Additionally, every principle discussed in the text is illustrated with concrete examples that vividly demonstrate how the principle operates and how it applies to everyday health care issues.

This book provides practical, nontechnical explanations of such essential concepts as:

• Proportions, rates, and ratios
• Continuous measurements
• Probability and probability models
• Confidence estimation
• Hypothesis testing
• Data plots and diagrams

Health and Numbers: Basic Biostatistical Methods is an ideal introduction to this field for anyone involved in the medical support or allied health fields. Students in such areas as nursing, pharmacy, or public health education will find this book a most welcome alternative to oppressively complex, math-oriented texts.

Cover Design/Illustration: Bob Pennise