Foundations of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in African Clinical Research: A Practical Guide for Medical Students and First-Time Researchers

Description

This textbook provides a definitive introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics, carefully designed for medical students, early-career clinicians, and first-time clinical researchers in Africa. Written from an African perspective, it blends foundational theory with practical, context-specific applications, ensuring learners can confidently design studies, analyze data, and interpret results in real-world health settings.

Key features include:

• Clear explanations of core epidemiological concepts: measures of disease frequency, association, and study design.
• Step-by-step introductions to biostatistics, including probability, hypothesis testing, regression, and survival analysis.
• Case studies drawn from African health challenges such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
• Ethical frameworks for research in Africa, emphasizing community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and national guidelines.
• Practice questions, exercises, and exam-style problems for self-assessment.

By grounding global scientific principles in local realities, this book equips the next generation of African researchers to contribute meaningfully to clinical science, policy, and public health.