In your own words, briefly summarise the key findings of the paper and describe the epidemiological methods used.
Paper: Lindahl et al (2014) Seropositivity and risk factors for Brucella in dairy cows in urban and peri-urban small-scale farming in Tajikistan.
Please read the tasks below carefully and ensure that you complete all parts of each task. Approximate distribution of marks is provided for your guidance.
Tasks:
(i) In your own words, briefly summarise the key findings of the paper and describe the epidemiological methods used. (~10% of the marks)
(ii) Write a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the study, with particular reference to epidemiological concepts covered in Module 4 (for example study design, population sampling, measures of association, data analysis and interpretation). (~60% of the marks)
(iii) Suggest and discuss the advantages/disadvantages of using alternative study designs to achieve the objectives of this study. (~30% of the marks)