Epidemiologists tried to examine the distribution of multimorbidity,and of comorbidity of physical and mental health disorders,in relation to age and socioeconomic deprivation.They extracted data on 40 morbidities from a database of 1,751,841 people registered with 314 medical practices in Scotland as of March 2007.They analyzed the data according to the number of morbidities,disorder type (physical or mental),sex,age,and socioeconomic status.They defined multimorbidity as the presence of two or more disorders.[From Barnett K,Mercer SW,Norbury M,et al.Epidemiology of multimorbidity and implications for health care,research,and medical education.Lancet.2012;380(9836):37-43.] What is the proper classification for this study?
A) Cross-sectional study
B) Prospective cohort study
C) Case-control study
D) Randomized trial
E) Case report

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because this study captured all data from 1,751,841 individuals at the same time (with exposure and outcome),cross-sectional study is the most accurate classification of the study."Prospective cohort study" is not correct; they did not follow up the participants."Case-control study" is not correct; they did not classify participants by disease status."Randomized trial" is not correct; they did not randomly allocate exposure status."Case report" is not correct; they did not report a single or series of disease cases.

Epidemiologists Tried to Examine the Distribution of Multimorbidity,and of Comorbidity