Outcomes of Obese, Clozapine-Treated Inpatients With Schizophrenia Placed on a Six-Month Diet and Physical Activity Program

QUESTION 1
Do you think there is evidence of a causal association between the exposure and the outcome? This question relates to the internal validity of the study. Consider the following questions in your critique:
-Is there a temporal relationship between exposure and outcome?
-Is there a strong relationship between the exposure and the outcome?
-Is there a dose-response relationship between exposure and the outcome?
-Are the results consistent within the study?

QUESTION 2
To what extent can the observed association between the exposure and outcome be attributed to non-causal explanations? Consider the following questions in your critique:
-Are the results likely to be affected by selection and/or measurement bias?
-Are the results likely to be affected by confounding?
-Are the results likely to be affected by chance variation?

Readings:
Outcomes of Obese, Clozapine-Treated Inpatients With Schizophrenia Placed on a Six-Month Diet and Physical Activity Program