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A cross-sectional study is a type of observational study that assesses the prevalence of a particular health outcome or exposure in a population at a specific point in time. Unlike other observational studies, such as cohort studies or case-control studies, cross-sectional studies do not involve following participants over time. These studies analyze data from a population, or a representative subset, at a specific point in time. The purpose is to assess the prevalence of an outcome or a particular set of variables, providing a 'snapshot' of a situation or condition.
Let us recap some key terms to understand when reviewing the topic of cross-sectional studies
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cross-Sectional Study | An observational study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time to assess the prevalence of an outcome or characteristics. |
| Prevalence | The proportion of a population that has a particular health outcome or exposure at a specific point in time. |
| Incidence | The rate at which new cases of a disease or condition occur in a population over a given period. |
| Sampling | The process of selecting a representative sample of a population for participation in a study. |
| Data Collection | The process of gathering information about health outcomes and... |
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