QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
A confounding factor is something that is associated with the exposure and outcome and can distort the apparent relationship between them. All observational studies, such as cross-sectional studies, are subject to influence by confounding factors, however there are ways to minimise their effect (e.g. by performing adjusted analysis using statistical models).
10004739
d
There is no way to minimise the effect of confounding factors
QuestionChoice
This is the case with case-control studies, which involve the selection of a group of subjects with the disease and a group of controls without the disease, and a comparison of their past exposure (risk factor) status.
10004738
c
There is a potential for recall error, as the exposure is assessed retrospectively
QuestionChoice
Cross-sectional studies involve taking a sample of participants from a population of interest, and measuring exposure and disease outcome together at a single point in time. They are primarily used to assess disease prevalence of disease and are occasionally used to assess associations between exposure and disease. As the exposure and disease status are measured at the same time, it is difficult to establish cause and effect, as it is unknown which came first.
10004736
a
The exposure and disease outcome are measured at the same point in time
QuestionChoice
This is the case in randomised control trials, which are used to formally test the efficacy and safety of an intervention. If participants are lost to follow-up, drop out of the trial or discontinue treatment, this can affect results, however, this is not the case in observational studies such as cross-sectional studies.
10004740
e
Deviations from protocol can have a large impact on results
QuestionChoice
This may be the case in randomised control trials or cohort studies. Cross-sectional studies do not involve the following up of participants over time.
10004737
b
As participants need to be followed up over a period of time, some participants may be lost-to follow-up
Concept
Chapter
2693
4326
Properties of cross-sectional studies
Topic
178
Medical Statistics
13494
Which of the following describes a major reason why it is difficult to assess cause and effect in a cross-sectional study?
a