What Research Methods are Used to Study Neighborhoods in Epidemiology?
Several research methods are employed to study neighborhoods in epidemiology:
Observational Studies: Cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies that analyze health outcomes in relation to neighborhood characteristics. Geospatial Analysis: Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze spatial patterns of health outcomes and exposures. Multilevel Modeling: Analyzes data that is nested within multiple levels (e.g., individuals within neighborhoods) to understand the influence of both individual and neighborhood factors. Qualitative Research: Interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies to gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of residents.