Module 3: Epidemiologic studies

Module 3

Module 3: Epidemiologic studies

Training course in research methodology, research protocol development and scientific writing 2023

September 20, 2023 - Geneva

Assignment

Part 1

Question 1: Read the abstract and method sections of the cohort study below.

Lin J, Gu W, Huang H. Effects of Paternal Obesity on Fetal Development and Pregnancy Complications: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 14;13:826665.

Answer the following questions:

1.1 What was the cohort in this study?

1.2 Identify the study type based on 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.

El Najar A, Abu Hamad K. Hospital-based case-control study of risk factors for early neonatal mortality in the Gaza Strip. East Mediterr Health J. 2023 May 31;29(5):317-323.

Answer the following questions:

2.1 Define the cases and controls in this study.

2.2 Were the cases matched with controls?

2.3 Mention the risk factors/exposures studied?

2.4 Why is matching used 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.

Petrov Fieril K, Glantz A, Fagevik Olsen M. The efficacy of moderate-to-vigorous resistance exercise during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015 Jan;94(1):35-42.

Answer the following questions:

4.1 What was the intervention?

4.2 What were the main outcomes measured in the study?

4.3 Was any blinding used? If yes, what type?

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.