Design choices for observational studies of the effect of exposure on disease incidence.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to help readers choose an appropriate observational study design for measuring an association between an exposure and disease incidence. We discuss cohort studies, sub-samples from cohorts (case-cohort and nested case-control designs), and population-based or hospital-based case-control studies. Appropriate study design is the foundation of a scientifically valid observational study. Mistakes in design are often irremediable. Key steps are understanding the scientific aims of the study and what is required to achieve them. Some designs will not yield the information required to realise the aims. The choice of design also depends on the availability of source populations and resources. Choosing an appropriate design requires balancing the pros and cons of variou

SUBMITTER: Gail MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6924819 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature