Long term data collection is crucial for several reasons:
1. Trend Analysis: Longitudinal data helps in understanding the trends and patterns of disease incidence over time, which is essential for predicting future outbreaks and planning preventive measures.
2. Risk Factor Identification: Continuous data collection allows researchers to identify and understand the risk factors associated with various diseases, leading to more effective interventions.
3. Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness: Long term data helps in assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
