Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following would be considered a confounding variable in dietary studies?

1. Age.

2. Body weight.

3. Physical exercise.

4. All of the above.

The correct answer is: All of the above.

In dietary studies, a confounding variable is an external factor that can influence both the independent variable (the dietary habits or the type of diet being studied) and the dependent variable (the health outcomes or results of the study). All of the options listed, including age, body weight, and physical exercise, can play significant roles in determining dietary effects on health. Age is a critical factor because it affects metabolism, nutritional needs, and overall health status, which can in turn influence dietary habits and their potential effects on health outcomes. Body weight is similarly important, as it often correlates with dietary patterns and various health metrics, making it a significant confounding factor in understanding the relationship between diet and health. Physical exercise also acts as a confounding variable since it impacts health outcomes independently of dietary intake; people who exercise regularly might experience different health effects compared to those who do not, regardless of their dietary choices. In summary, considering these variables as confounding is important for interpreting the results of dietary studies accurately, as each can mask or falsely exaggerate the relationship between diet and health outcomes. Therefore, including all factors as potential confounding variables ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the research findings.