Epidemiologic studies cont’d

Module 3 Part 2

Epidemiologic studies cont’d

Training course in research methodology and research protocol development 2021

September 27, 2021 - Geneva

Assignment (10 marks in total)

Question 1 (3 marks)

Go over the cross-sectional study below.

Nguyen PH, Budiharsana MP. Receiving voluntary family planning services has no relationship with the paradoxical situation of high use of contraceptives and abortion in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women’s Health. 2012 May 28;12(1):14.

Answer the following questions:

1. Mention three reasons why a cross-sectional design may be appropriate for this study.

Question 2 (2 marks)

Read the abstract and method of the randomized control trial below.

Johnston CC, Campbell-Yeo M, Filion F. Paternal vs Maternal Kangaroo Care for Procedural Pain in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011 Sep 5;165(9):792–6.

Answer the following questions:

2.1. What was the intervention? 1 mark

2.2. Why was a crossover trial design used? 1 mark

Question 3 (5 marks)

Read the abstract and method of the systematic review below.

Gülmezoglu AM, Say L, Betrán AP, Villar J, Piaggio G. WHO systematic review of maternal mortality and morbidity: methodological issues and challenges. BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2004 Jul 5;4(1):16.

Answer the following questions:

3.1. What were the criteria for inclusion of a study in the review? 1.5 marks

3.2. Mention three criteria for exclusion of a study from the review? 1.5 marks

3.3. Briefly describe the search strategy used for the review. 2 marks