Attributable risk measures what aspect of disease development?

Attributable risk is a measure that quantifies the proportion or amount of disease incidence in a population that can be attributed to a specific exposure. This concept is vital in understanding the impact of risk factors on disease development. It specifically focuses on how much of the risk of developing the disease is attributable to the exposure in comparison to individuals who are not exposed. This comparison allows researchers and healthcare professionals to assess the extra risk posed by certain exposures, thereby informing public health policies and preventive measures.

By contrasting the incidence of disease between those who have been exposed to a potential risk factor and those who have not, attributable risk provides insight into the additional burden of disease that can be linked directly to the exposure. This is particularly useful in epidemiologic studies where identifying causative factors is essential for effective intervention strategies. It helps in determining the potential benefit of reducing or eliminating the exposure in the population.

In summary, attributable risk specifically measures the impact of an exposure on disease development, making the response focused on the risk for developing disease due to that exposure compared to non-exposed individuals entirely accurate.