Evidence in epidemiology is derived from various study designs, each contributing unique insights:
1. Observational Studies: Including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, these provide data on the association between exposures and outcomes. 2. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): These are considered the gold standard for determining causality but are often limited by ethical and practical considerations. 3. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: These synthesize findings from multiple studies to provide robust conclusions about a particular research question.