The IQR is crucial in epidemiological studies for several reasons:
Robust Statistic: Unlike the mean and standard deviation, the IQR is not affected by outliers or skewed data, making it a more reliable measure of spread for non-normally distributed data. Central Tendency and Spread: IQR provides a clearer picture of the central tendency and variability of the data, which is essential for understanding the health status of a population. Comparative Studies: It helps in comparing the spread of different populations or subgroups, which is critical for identifying disparities and targeting interventions.
