Comparison of cross sectional, prospective cohort study, retrospective and case control study - Scientific research serv

1. COMPARISON OF CROSS SECTIONAL, PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY, RETROSPECTIVE, & CASE CONTROLSTUDY AQuickReferenceTableforthe Authors &Researchers Tags: Case-control study, Cohort study, Observational studies, evidence-based medicine, control group, latency, matching, randomized controlstudy. Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing

2. InBrief Cross sectional studies, case-control studies and cohort studies are collectively known as observationalstudies. Observations and not interventions are carried out by theinvestigator. This will act as a quick reference table for researchers andauthors. This blog tries to discuss each of the observational studies methodslaying emphasis on what their strengths and weaknesses are by comparingthem. Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing

3. Introduction Cross sectional studies are used primarily to determine the prevalence of a problem whereas cohort studies involve the study of the population that is both exposed and non-exposed to the cause of disease developmentagents. Analytical studies that are observational in nature are called as cohort studiesand are derived from Latin meaning ‘unit’. This study can be prospective or retrospective in nature (Barría,2018). Case control studies are undertaken with people who are already subjected to the condition or disease that is being studied (Robert & G. Berman,2015). Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved

4. Comparisons of Cross Sectional, Prospective Cohort Study,Retrospective & Case ControlStudy

5. In cross sectional studies, prevalence determines the number of incidences in agivenpopulation. All the required measurements are administered to the set of population at the sametime. Prevalence helps the clinician in knowing the portending value of an investigation and also the likelihood of specificdiagnosis. Questionnaires are mainly used in most of the cross sectionalstudies. Cross sectional studies are relatively cheap and quick, and allow the researchers to obtain lot of informationveryquickly. Due to absence of follow up, less usage of resources are needed to conduct cross sectionalstudies. Different variables can be used to runthestudy. Researchers working on a project can obtain data on various variables to know how differences in age, sex, income and educational status might correspond with the variable that is critical for thestudy. They act as a springboard for further studies and research (Hackshaw, 2015). Cross Sectional Studies Contd.. Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved

6. While studying a public health issue, cross-sectional study helps as a tool in understanding the link between a specific behaviour to a specific illness and acts as a guide for futurestudies. For example, in order to understand the influence of exercises on the cognitive function and health of people as they age, researchers can obtain data from people falling into different age bracket as to their exercise routines and their performances in cognitive tests which help researchers obtain the necessary information about the what type of exercises might be beneficial the most for cognitive health of a particular age group and also helps in doing more experimental. But it does have its own limitations. Relationship between the cause and the outcomes cannot be studied as other variables also affect the link between cause andtheoutcome. Accuracy in reports cannot be expected as there might be biases inreports There can also be cohort differences as different people might have different experiences that affect their lives due to geographical and demographical regions even though can share the same historicalexperiences. Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing

7. In cohort studies, the results of the study of both the exposed and the non- exposed population are compared to try and find out the link or association between the suspected cause and thedisease. Retrospective cohort studies use the data that is already obtained forother Cohort Studies reasons. Retrospective follow up of the cohort isdone. Prospective Cohort study is suitable for rare exposures. The incidence rate and the relative risk of the disease can bedetermined. A single exposure can determine numerous diseases associated withit. There is minimization of information and selectionbiases. Causeandeffectcanbeestablishedbythistypeofstudy. Retrospective cohort study takes less time to complete in contrast to prospectivestudy. Contd.. Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing

8. Several cohorts can be studied. Incidence data can beestimated. Limitations include requirement of a huge population to conduct the study for prospective cohort study and longer time required to complete thestudy. The outcome of this type of study is largely affected by the loss of people or subjects during the follow upprocess. Itisnotsufficientforthestudyofdiseasesthatarerare.Itisexpensive. It also has issues related to ethics whereas the Retrospective cohort study has difficulty in identifying the corresponding exposed and non-exposed group to drawcomparisons Issues of confounding variables are a major weakness and is not suitable for rare diseases. Improper andlowqualitymedicaldataleadstoalotoferrorsintheresultsobtained. Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved

9. Copyright © 2019 pubrica. All rightsreserved Case control studies are undertaken with people who are already subjected to the condition or disease that is being studied (Robert & G. Berman,2015). Just like taking a ‘history and physical’, the patient is examined and questioned so as to know all those factors and elements that contributed in predisposing the patient to the disease. Its strengths lies in it being quick andinexpensive. It is suitable for outcomes that have long latency and fewer subjects for studypurpose. Multiple risk factors or exposures can be studiedandexamined. Records that already exist can beutilized. Limitations can be seen as in bias being a major issue. Validation of information is aproblem. Selecting an appropriate group for comparison can be very difficult. Determinationof exposed and non-exposed disease rate in individuals can bedifficult. CaseControl Studies Publication Support | Research Services | Physician Writing | Scientific Communication Solution | Editing&Peer-Reviewing

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