Question

Give an example of a hypothetical prospective cohort study. Describe your recruitment strategy, timeline, and how you would operationalize your exposure and outcome. Then, describe your results (make them upl. Your results should include a ratio measure of association that is typical for cohort studies, Interpret your ratio measure of association. Points will be awarded based on the following criteria: Giving an example that fits the definition of a "prospective cohort study Clearly defining exposure and outcome variables Using the correct measure of association Correctly interpreting the measure of association

Answer 1

A cohort study is a type of longitudinal study design where the group of individuals exposed to certain risk factors is observed over a period of time for the occurrence of any disease. In the prospective cohort study, the participants were followed for a particular period of time and the outcomes are recorded.

Consider a hypothetical prospective cohort study of the physical activity between the age of 45 - 55 years and the incidence of cardiovascular disease for a period of over 4 years.

Recruitment strategy:

• Whether physical activity lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Study design of cohort prospective study.
• Participants 1019 adults between the age group of 45 - 55 years.
• Data collection through follow up of physical assessment and the questionnaires.
• Differentiation of physical activity as no ability in physical activity, poor ability, and good ability.

Timeline:

Adults physical activity and risk for cardiovascular disease were followed for the period of 4 years were observed and the results were concluded.

Association between the exposure and outcome:

The relationship between physical activity and the risk of CVD were analyzed properly. The risk factor of age, occupation, habits of smoking, blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, were considered while concluding the results. Strength and weakness of the study are also studied.

Outcomes:

Among the 1019 participants, 598 shows a low risk of cardiovascular disease, 250 shows a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, 171 shows no difference.

Ratio Measure of association:

Rate Ratio = Incidence rate in the exposed group of physical activity / Incidence rate of the non-exposed group of physical activity

Rate Ratio = 0.58 / 0.24

RR = 2.41