Question

Topic: The Sufficient-Component Cause Model

Research on the following concerning the given concept or theory:

1. Description of the theory/concept of the topic.

2. History of the theory/concept of the topic.

3. Importance of the concept/theory in epidemiology of the topic.

4. Give Public Health applications of the theory of the topic.

Answer 1

1 - Theory

According to sufficient component cause model a sufficient component is a minimal factor that if present in a individual it will produce disease. It is not the only component responsible for it but it is the minimum set of factor and circumstances.

For example three factors considered as sufficient component for HIV infection are-

1 - absence of antiretroviral

2- Exposure to person with HIV infection

3- risky sexual behavior

So according to theory if person is having following three components is sufficient to cause AIDS in person. If one factors mights be absent in patient then he might not been infected with HIV.

Note- different individuals might have different sets of sufficient components to cause disease.

2- history

In 1976 ken rothman propsed the sufficient component model . He was a member of epidemiology faculty in BUSPH. He developed this model to provide a practical view of causations and it also has sound theoretical basis.

He developed pie charts of sufficient causations for a disease and thus made identification of minimal causations easy

3 - importance in epidemiology

Root of epidemiology lies in linking a disease to its causative factors. So sufficient component cause model is important aspect of epidemiology.

This model identifies the minimum causative factors which cause a disease and thus it can help in prevention. This is done by reduces that chances of individual to acquire those components.

Due to this model incidence of disease can be known.

And thus it can help to prevent, decrease and control disease

4 - public health

This theory has a great application to public health

If minimal factors can be known spread of disease canbe spotted. For example

- mosquito is one of mininal component of causing malaria . So by controlling mosquito breeding malaria spread can be prevented.

- as HIV exposure is necessary for aids infection, we could prevent exposure to HIV

It helps to identify the population at more risk . So that they can be diagnosed early.

- for example multiple risky sexual behavior is one if sufficient causation for AIDS so people having such behavior can be putted under individuals at high risk and their screening can be done which helps in early diagnosis and early treatment.