What Causes Fragmentation in Epidemiological Studies?
Several factors contribute to the fragmentation of studies in epidemiology:
1. Funding Restrictions: Short-term and project-specific funding can limit the scope of research, leading to isolated studies that do not address broader questions. 2. Specialization: Researchers often focus on narrow areas of expertise, resulting in detailed but compartmentalized knowledge. 3. Geographical Limitations: Studies conducted in specific regions may not account for global variations in disease prevalence and risk factors. 4. Data Inconsistencies: Variability in data collection methods and definitions of key terms can hinder the integration of study results.