Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The possible bias introduced if an association is observed between obesity and coronary heart disease is surveillance bias. This occurs when individuals who are more likely to have a certain condition are tested or screened more frequently, leading to a higher detection rate of that condition. In this case, clinicians may be more likely to examine obese individuals for signs of heart disease, leading to a higher detection rate of coronary heart disease among this population compared to non-obese individuals.
To minimize surveillance bias, clinicians should use the same diagnostic and screening criteria for both obese and non-obese individuals. They should also avoid testing or screening individuals more frequently based solely on their weight status. Additionally, researchers can use a control group of non-obese individuals to compare the incidence of coronary heart disease between the two groups, which can help control for surveillance bias. Finally, it is important to consider other potential confounding factors, such as age, sex, and lifestyle factors, which may influence the association between obesity and coronary heart disease.