Answer 2 for PUB 540 Describe the common characteristics and design of a case-control study Case-control studies can be classified as analytical and observational studies

Answer 2 for PUB 540 Describe the common characteristics and design of a case-control study

Case-control studies can be classified as analytical and observational studies. The common characteristic of a case control-study is an observational study that compares the infected individuals of a particular disease to those who are uninfected.  More scientifically the case represents those with the disease of interest, while the control represents those without the disease.  For the objective of the study to be effective and displayed one must utilize the three essential features for selecting cases and controls.  Control should be selected from the source population while cases are present or from the same study. Furthermore, matching techniques should be used to ensure cases and controls have the same features.  The third characteristic is the confounding elimination.

Case-control studies are notorious to bias due to the backward approach (Aigner et al., 2018). Therefore, researchers must define the case by providing an inclusion criterion. The limitation of questionnaire lacks the appeal to one ethos, not allowing for accurate responses, time consuming, and inaccurate recall. Other methods for collecting data are the following but no limited to records and interviews. These methods of data collection will allow for the researchers to develop more of a connection and understand the subjects.

References:

Aigner, A., Grittner, U., & Becher, H. (2018). Bias due to differential participation in case-control studies and review of available approaches for Adjustment. PLOS ONE, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191327 

Kopec, J. A., & Esdaile, J. M. (1990). Bias in case-control studies. A review. Journal of epidemiology and community health, 44(3), 179–186. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.44.3.179