Answer for PUB 540 Describe the characteristics and design of a cohort study Re: Topic 7 DQ 1
As discussed by Friis & Sellers (2020) a cohort study is an observational study that goes from cause to effect. It is a longitudinal study that follows a group of subjects over time. The exposure of a particular disease is known to be positive and how the effects of this positive exposure manifest are observed. There are two points of observation, before disease onset and then at a follow up. By doing this, a measure of effect that certain risk factors related to disease outcome. This is the best type of study for population-based studies because more measures of association can be evaluated. This is an observational study versus an experimental study because no intervention is included; the aim is to simply observe cause and effect in a certain group to determine the incidence of disease, mortality rates among this group, which then can serve as a flag for the need for more resources to prevent high numbers of untoward outcomes.
Hoepner et al., (2016) participated in a cohort study that looks at the association between bisphenol A and adiposity in the inner city. Prenatal mothers had their BPA concentrations measures (n =375), children aged 3 (n=408), and children 5 years (n=518). The children in age groups 3 and 5 had their urine spot tested. The children were followed up every 3 months and followed till they were 5 years of age, and then every 6 months until 7 years of age. The mothers were followed differently during their pregnancy. They wanted to see if there was an association between higher BPA concentration before birth and adiposity. There was a positive association that high prenatal concentrations of BPA were associated with adiposity by age 7.
References
Hoepner, L. A., Whyatt, R. M., Widen, E. M., Hassoun, A., Oberfeld, S. E., Mueller, N. T., Diaz, D., Calafat, A. M., Perera, F. P., & Rundle, A. G. (2016). Bisphenol A and Adiposity in an Inner-City Birth Cohort. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(10), 1644–1650. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1289/EHP205
Friis, R. H., & Sellers, T. (2020). Epidemiology for public health practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
