Epidemiologic Study Designs
• Consider an association between a risk factor and a particular health outcome that is of interest to you. Table 2.2, in Curley, has some excellent options. You may use this to guide your selection of topics or select your own population health topic.
• Then, select an observational OR experimental study design you think would be the most appropriate for exploring this association. You may select from any of the designs covered in this module.
In a 4-page paper, not including title page and references, address the following:
• Briefly identify the population health topic (association between a risk factor and a health outcome) you selected. Present a research question based on this topic that you would like to answer in a proposed study. (Consult the Walden “Developing Research” resource for guidance on crafting a research question.)
• Explain the epidemiologic study design that would be most appropriate to assess and address your population health problem.
• Summarize the data collection activities you would use (i.e., how you would collect data—online survey, paper/pen, mailing, etc.).
• Explain any specific methodologic strategies you would use. For example, if you were conducting a case-control study, how would you select your cases and controls?
• Consider the methods you would use to make these selections. What are the strengths and limitations of your selected approach?
• Explain ethical considerations pertaining to your study.
Sample Answer
Investigating the Association Between Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution and Asthma Development
Introduction:
The impact of environmental factors on childhood health is a critical area of population health research. This paper focuses on the association between childhood exposure to air pollution and the development of asthma. Specifically, we will examine the research question: “Is there a significant association between chronic exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) during childhood (ages 0-10) and the subsequent development of asthma by adolescence (ages 11-18)?”
Epidemiologic Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study
To address this research question, a prospective cohort study design would be most appropriate. This design involves selecting a group of individuals (the cohort) who are free of the outcome of interest (asthma) at baseline and following them over time to observe the development of the outcome in relation to their exposure to the risk factor (PM2.5).
- Rationale:
- A prospective design allows for the establishment of temporality, ensuring that exposure precedes the outcome.
- It minimizes recall bias, as exposure data is collected before the onset of asthma.
- It allows for the examination of multiple outcomes related to air pollution exposure.