ANSWER
You have a great opportunity to investigate the longitudinal components of epidemiology research by selecting a cohort study. As you pointed out, one important difference is that, in contrast to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which entail intentional intervention and randomization, cohort studies track subjects over time in their natural surroundings without modification. Cohort studies can efficiently evaluate causal links between exposures and outcomes because to this natural observation, especially when examining the etiology and prognosis of diseases (Gelardi et al., 2021). However, as outside variables may affect the study’s reliability, the inherent time commitment and possibility of confounding variables highlight a key weakness. Because of this, sustaining participant involvement is essential to reducing attrition and guaranteeing reliable data over time.
Their emphasis on determining associations between variables is in line with your description of correlational studies as observational and non-manipulative. In public health research, this method is very helpful for determining risk variables and prevalence within populations (Meyer et al., 2020). The two approaches together improve our knowledge of risk connections and causality in epidemiology, especially when paired with the more compelling data from cohort studies in the research pyramid. Your use of instances, such the analysis of COVID-19’s effects, clearly demonstrates the usefulness and significance of these research designs in actual situations.
QUESTION
Respond with a minimum of one paragraph of 4-5 sentences, on two (2) different days of the week. Your reply post should be specific to this week’s topic of epidemiological research methods and should integrate in-text citation(s).
Your reply post/s should integrate course content (such as course terminology) related to the study method as well as an integration of in-text citations along with a scholarly voice and APA formatting. The textbook may be utilized as a resource.
What is the fundamental difference between the method you have chosen (either the case-control or cohort method) and the randomized controlled trial?
The study I have chosen is a cohort study. I will compare it with a randomized controlled trial. The most significant difference is the number of participants selected in both studies. Participants in cohort studies are selected based on more than one criteria, focusing on a group of individuals with similar outcomes, whereas participants in randomized controlled trials are selected based on one criteria, such as sex (male or female). Another major difference is that participants in randomized trials can be manipulated, whereas, with cohort studies, information is extracted in its natural form. Cohort studies are used to study incidences, causes, and prognosis Gelardi et al.( 2019). In an article by D’Silva et al. (2020), a cohort study is used to analyze patients’ response to the COVID-19 effect. The impact COVID-19 had on survival outcomes is collected and studied using a cohort study.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the study method you chose (case-control or cohort study)?
A main advantage of the cohort study design is the ability to study multiple outcomes associated with a single exposure Gelardi et al.( 2019). Cohort studies are conducted from the present to the future, allowing for comparing and evaluating outcomes over time Gelardi et al.( 2019). For example, cohort studies enable results or changes to be seen with progression. However, a disadvantage would be that the study can be time consuming. According to Gelardi et al.( 2019), the extended follow-up period could lead to vulnerability while waiting for results to yield. For example, participants are more likely to lose interest in a study with extended time and risk additional exposures that could confuse or alter the results. With prolonged study, there is also the risk of having less control over variables. It is challenging to keep track of subjects, allowing environmental factors to manipulate variables Gelardi et al.( 2019).
What are the characteristics of a correlational study?
Correlational studies determine whether a population’s characteristics differ depending on whether or not its subjects have been exposed to an event of interest in its natural setting (Meyer et al., 2020). Correlational studies, also known as observational studies, are used to assess disease prevalence and risk factors in a population (Meyer et al., 2020). They evaluate the correlation between variables and acknowledge that variables are not manipulated. Correlation studies are also used for observation studies and can analyze the strength of the two variables.
Where does the method you chose (case-control or cohort study) fall on the research pyramid? What does where it is on the research pyramid mean?
A cohort study is generally considered to have slightly stronger evidence because it follows individuals over time, allowing for better assessment (Gelardi et al., 2019). On the research pyramid, a cohort study is considered to be in the middle of the pyramid (Gelardi et al., 2019).
D’Silva, K. M., Serling-Boyd, N., Wallwork, R., Hsu, T., Fu, X., Gravallese, E. M., Choi, H. K., Sparks, J. A., & Wallace, Z. S. (2020). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and rheumatic disease: a comparative cohort study from a US ‘hot spot.’ Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79(9), 1156–1162. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217888
Gelardi, F., Kirienko, M., & Sollini, M. (2021). Climbing the steps of the evidence-based medicine pyramid: highlights from Annals of Nuclear Medicine 2019. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 48(5), 1293–1301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-020-05073-6
Meyer, G., Shatto, B., Kuljeerung, O., Nuccio, L., Bergen, A., & Wilson, C. R. (2020). Exploring the relationship between resilience and grit among nursing students: A correlational research study. Nurse Education Today, 84, 104246–104246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.104246