Applied Epidemiology Using R (book manuscript)

We wrote this book to introduce R -- a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics -- to epidemiologists and health data analysts conducting epidemiologic studies. From our experience in public health practice, sometimes even formally trained epidemiologists lack the breadth of analytic skills required at health departments where resources are very limited. Recent graduates come prepared with a solid foundation in epidemiological and statistical concepts and principles and they are ready to run a multivariable analysis (which is not a bad thing we are grateful for highly trained staff). However, what is sometimes lacking is the practical knowledge, skills, and abilities to collect and process data from multiple sources (e.g., Census data; legally reportable diseases, death and birth registries) and to adequately implement new methods they did not learn in school. One approach to implementing new methods is to look for the "commands" among their favorite statistical packages (or to buy a new software program). If the commands do not exist, then the method may not be implemented. In a sense, they are looking for a custom-made solution that makes their work quick and easy.

In contrast to custom-made tools or software packages, R is a suite of basic tools for statistical programming, analysis, and graphics. One will not find a "command" for a large number of analytic procedures one may want to execute. Instead, R is more like a set of high quality carpentry tools (hammer, saw, nails, and measuring tape) for tackling an infinite number of analytic problems, including those for which custom-made tools are not readily available or affordable. We like to think of R as a set of extensible tools to implement one’s analysis plan, regardless of simplicity or complexity. With practice, one not only learns to apply new methods, but one also develops a depth of understanding that sharpens one’s intuition and insight. With understanding comes clarity, focused problem-solving, and confidence.