cross- sectional study | Differbetween

Definition: A cross-sectional study is defined as a type of observational research that analyzes data of variables collected at one given point in time across a sample population or a pre-defined subset. This study type is also known as cross-sectional analysis, transverse study, or prevalence study.

What is a cross-sectional study in research?

In a cross-sectional study, the investigator measures the outcome and the exposures in the study participants at the same time. ... Cross-sectional designs are used for population-based surveys and to assess the prevalence of diseases in clinic-based samples.

How do you know if a study is cross-sectional?

Defining Characteristics of Cross-Sectional Studies

  • The study takes place at a single point in time.
  • It does not involve manipulating variables.
  • It allows researchers to look at numerous characteristics at once (age, income, gender, etc.)
  • It's often used to look at the prevailing characteristics in a given population.
  • Why do a cross-sectional study?

    Cross-sectional studies are used to assess the burden of disease or health needs of a population and are particularly useful in informing the planning and allocation of health resources. A cross-sectional survey may be purely descriptive and used to assess the burden of a particular disease in a defined population.

    What is the key feature of a cross-sectional study?

    The defining feature of a cross-sectional study is that it can compare different population groups at a single point in time. Think of it in terms of taking a snapshot. Findings are drawn from whatever fits into the frame.

    What is an example of cross sectional study?

    Another example of a cross-sectional study would be a medical study examining the prevalence of cancer amongst a defined population. The researcher can evaluate people of different ages, ethnicities, geographical locations, and social backgrounds.

    Is cross sectional study qualitative?

    Cross-sectional designs often collect data using survey questionnaires or structured interviews involving human respondents as the primary units of analysis. ... Although the majority of cross-sectional studies is quantitative, cross-sectional designs can be also be qualitative or mixed-method in their design.

    What are the limitations of cross sectional studies?

    The weaknesses of cross-sectional studies include the inability to assess incidence, to study rare diseases, and to make a causal inference. Unlike studies starting from a series of patients, cross-sectional studies often need to select a sample of subjects from a large and heterogeneous study population.

    What is cross sectional data examples?

    For example, if we want to measure current obesity levels in a population, we could draw a sample of 1,000 people randomly from that population (also known as a cross section of that population), measure their weight and height, and calculate what percentage of that sample is categorized as obese. ...

    Is a cross sectional study a cohort study?

    Stated differently, the cross-sectional cohort study is a retrospective cohort study with all exposure and outcome information collected retrospectively, and with an unknown amount of loss to follow-up.

    What is the difference between a cross sectional study and a cohort study?

    Cohort studies are used to study incidence, causes, and prognosis. Because they measure events in chronological order they can be used to distinguish between cause and effect. Cross sectional studies are used to determine prevalence.

    What is cross sectional area?

    The cross-sectional area is the area of a two-dimensional shape that is obtained when a three-dimensional object - such as a cylinder - is sliced perpendicular to some specified axis at a point. ... For example, the cross-section of a cylinder - when sliced parallel to its base - is a circle.

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