Confounding Bias

What is confounding bias? 

Confounding bias refers to a type of distortion in research results that occurs when an outside factor (a confounder) is associated with both the exposure (or treatment) and the outcome, leading to a false or misleading conclusion about the relationship between them. This bias can obscure or exaggerate the true effect of a variable on the outcome, making it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship. 

Why is confounding bias important?

Confounding bias is a critical concept in healthcare research and epidemiology because it directly impacts the validity of study findings. By recognizing and adjusting for confounding factors, researchers can ensure that study results more accurately reflect the true relationships between treatments, exposures, and health outcomes. Addressing confounding bias enhances the credibility of clinical research and ensures better-informed healthcare decisions.