Question

This study analyzed 455 HIV-infected and 1945 HIV-uninfected patients, all of the members of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) health care plan, diagnosed with at least 1 nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) from 1996-2008 to determine the risk of subsequent NMSCs in relation to CD4 count and Viral Load (VL). All participants were white, non-Hispanic persons 18 years or older who had had at least 1 NMSC during the 1996-2008 period. Participants entered the study at their first NMSC diagnosis and were observed through 2008. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted hazard ratios were estimated using extended Cox regression models with recent CD4 count and VL analyzed as time-changing covariates.

A) Describe the specific type of study design from the information above?

B) What is the risk measurement that you think would be most appropriate to compare the groups?

Answer 1

A) This is a cohort study design. A study design where one or more samples known as cohorts are followed prospectively and subsequent status evaluations with respect to a disease or outcome are conducted which help to determine which initial participants exposure characteristics (risk factors) are associated with it is known as cohort study.

B) the risk measurement most appropriate to compare the groups is estimation of the Incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios