Cohort studies
Cohort Studies
Cohort studies (pronunciation: /ˈkoʊ.hɔːrt ˈstʌdiz/) are a type of observational study where the researcher observes a group of people, or a cohort, over a period of time to determine the outcomes of certain exposures or interventions. The term 'cohort' is derived from the Latin word 'cohors', which means 'group' or 'company'.
Definition
A cohort study is a research design where the investigator studies a group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined period. This group is then followed over time to observe the incidence and distribution of disease or health outcomes.
Types of Cohort Studies
There are two main types of cohort studies: prospective cohort studies and retrospective cohort studies.
- Prospective cohort studies involve identifying individuals and collecting baseline exposure data before the outcomes have occurred. The group is then followed into the future to observe the occurrence of the outcomes.
- Retrospective cohort studies involve identifying individuals and the outcomes at the start of the study. The investigator then looks back in time to determine the exposure status.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Cohort studies have several advantages, including the ability to study multiple outcomes and the temporal sequence between exposure and outcome. However, they also have disadvantages, such as potential for loss to follow-up and the long time required for sufficient outcome occurrence.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology
- Observational study
- Prospective cohort study
- Retrospective cohort study
- Exposure
- Outcome
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cohort studies
- Wikipedia's article - Cohort studies
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