Module 3: Epidemiologic studies

Module 3

Module 3: Epidemiologic studies

Training course in research methodology and research protocol development 2022

October 5, 2022 - Geneva

Assignment

Part 1

Question 1: Read the abstract of the cohort study below.

Manson JE, Greenland P, LaCroix AZ, Stefanick ML, Mouton CP, Oberman A, et al. Walking Compared with Vigorous Exercise for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Women. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002 Sep 5;347(10):716–25.

Answer the following questions:

1.1 What was the cohort in this study?

1.2 What was the study type on the basis of time (prospective/retrospective/cross sectional)?

1.3 What were the exposure and outcome variables?

1.4 Mention two advantages and two disadvantages of this study design.

Question 2: Read the abstract and method sections of the case-control study below.

Heit JA, Silverstein MD, Mohr DN, Petterson TM, O’Fallon WM, Melton LJ. Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Population-Based Case-Control Study. Arch Intern Med. 2000 Mar 27;160(6):809-15.

Answer the following questions:

2.1 In this study who were cases and who were control?

2.2 What were the matching factors for selecting control?

2.3 Mention four risk factors/exposures studied?

2.4 Why is matching necessary in a case control study?

Question 3: 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:

3.1 What were the main dependent and the main independent variables?

3.2 What factor(s) did the researchers took into account when examining the association between the variables?

3.3 In your opinion, was the study design used by the authors appropriate? Why or why not? Give two reasons.

Question 4: 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:

4.1 What was the intervention?

4.2 What were the main outcomes measured in the study?

4.3 Why was a crossover trial design used?

Part 2

Reflect over the topic, question and study design for your research protocol, revise if necessary and submit to your coach for review and feedback.