Epidemiologists use various study designs to investigate patterns and causes of diseases.
Descriptive Studies Descriptive studies aim to describe the occurrence of diseases within a population. These studies often use data from surveillance systems to identify trends and generate hypotheses.
Analytical Studies Analytical studies are designed to test hypotheses about the determinants of health. These include cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials. For instance, a cohort study might follow a group of individuals over time to see how different exposures affect the incidence of disease.
Experimental Studies Experimental studies, such as clinical trials, involve the manipulation of exposure to determine its effect on the outcome. These studies provide the highest level of evidence but are often complex and expensive to conduct.
