A study is planned to investigate risk factors for sudden cardiac death. A cohor

Question

A study is planned to investigate risk factors for sudden cardiac death. A cohort of men and women between the ages of 35 and 70 are enrolled and followed for up to 20 years. As part of the study, participants provide data on demographic and behavioral characteristics, they also undergo testing for cardiac function and provide a blood samples to assess lipid profiles and other biomarkers. A new measure of inflammation is hypothesized to be related to sudden cardiac death. What study design is most appropriate to assess the association between the new biomarker and sudden cardiac death?   Describe its strengths and weaknesses.

Explanation / Answer

In the given situation, the cohort study should be carried out to examine the causes and to establish the association among several risk factors and health related outcomes. Longitudinal study to be conducted on the groups of peoples may be in the prospective (to be carried out in the future) or retrospective forms (considering the existing data and determine risk factors in specific conditions). Some of the strengths are, such as, wide group of individuals are contacted and possible causes can be gathered and this type of study can determine social and environmental factors also. This type of study helps the researcher to gather information by observation rather intervention. Whereas, the limitations with this type of study are, cannot be used for the rare conditions or diseases, not suitable for determining the reason for the sudden outbreak of any disease, expensive in nature, offer only clues rather proof, participant in the study may leave any point of time.

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