attributable fraction
Proportion of psychiatric disorder cases in exposed individuals that can be attributed to a specific risk factor.
Full Definition
A measure that quantifies the proportion of psychiatric disorder cases among exposed individuals that would be prevented if the exposure were eliminated, assuming a causal relationship exists. The attributable fraction provides insight into the public health impact of specific risk factors by indicating how much of the disease burden in exposed populations is due to that particular exposure. It is calculated as (risk in exposed - risk in unexposed) / risk in exposed, and ranges from 0 to 1. In psychiatric epidemiology, attributable fractions help prioritize prevention efforts by identifying modifiable risk factors that contribute substantially to disease burden in specific populations.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from population attributable fraction, which considers the entire population rather than just exposed individuals.
In Context
- "The attributable fraction for depression in individuals with chronic medical conditions was estimated at 35%." — Risk factor analysis study
- "Calculating the attributable fraction helped researchers prioritize which childhood trauma exposures to target in prevention programs." — Prevention research report