A newspaper published an article stating that the athletic banquet at the local high school had approximately 1000 family members in attendance. Exactly 650 persons became ill within 24 hours, complaining of severe diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping. Which best describes the attack rate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rates are calculated by the number of people with the problem over the number exposed to the problem. In this case, 650 persons out of the 1000 at the banquet complained of illness. Although this rate could be presented as an attack rate of 65%, 6.5% is incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In epidemiology, 'exposure' is any factor (e.g., smoking, diet, BMI) that may influence health, positively or negatively (A), making it true. B assumes all exposures increase risk, which isn’t always true (e.g., exercise reduces risk). C is false; dietary intake is an exposure despite being a choice. D is false; BMI is a single exposure linked to multiple outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Epidemiological studies include descriptive (A), observational (B), and interventional (C) types. Qualitative study (D) is a social science method, not typically epidemiological.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cohort studies (B) follow groups over time to track disease development (e.g., Framingham Study). A is snapshot, C is retrospective, D is experimental.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Excess mortality (A) is deaths above expected (e.g., during a pandemic). B, C, and D are broader or specific counts.