QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Cross-sectional studies are carried out at a single point in time, assessing the prevalence of disease in groups exposed to the risk factor and those not exposed to the risk factor. As the exposure and disease factors are measured at the same time, it is difficult to establish cause and effect, so cross-sectional studies are not useful for assessing risk factors for disease.
10004697
b
Cross-sectional study, as this is good at assessing risk factors for disease
QuestionChoice
A confounding factor is something that is associated with the exposure (risk factor) and outcome (condition X) and can distort the apparent relationship between them. All observational studies, such as case-control studies, are subject to influence by confounding factors.
10004699
d
Case-control study, as this reduces the chance of results being affected by confounding factors
QuestionChoice
In case-control studies, a group of subjects with the disease and a group of controls without the disease are selected, and their past exposure (risk factor) status is compared. Case-control studies are good to study rare conditions, as a group of subjects with the disease is selected at the beginning of the study.
10004696
a
Case-control study, as condition X is a rare condition
QuestionChoice
A randomised control trial (RCT) is an interventional trial and is used to assess the efficacy of a particular intervention (e.g. treatment for a specific disease). They are not used to assess risk factors for disease.
10004698
c
Randomised control trial, as they wish to study multiple potential risk factors for condition X
QuestionChoice
Cohort studies involve the classification of participants based on their risk factor status at baseline and following up to determine who develops the disease outcome, This requires large numbers of participants, particularly if the disease is uncommon, resulting in cohort studies being time-consuming and expensive.
10004700
e
Cohort study, as this is cheaper and quicker than other types of observational study
Concept
Chapter
2693
4320
Clinical Trials
Topic
166
General pharmacological concepts
13486
Epidemiologists wish to assess the risk factors for condition X, a very rare condition.

Which type of study should they choose and why?
a