Why do we need cohort studies?

Abstract

Cohort studies play an important role in medical research but it is important to understand their limitations. Some large ongoing cohort studies continue to provide critical insights into the causes of chronic disease. Confounding is a major challenge but can be dealt with during both the design and analysis phases of a cohort study. Planning for inclusion of potential confounders in the analysis should be part of the study protocol. The STROBE guidelines have improved the performance and reporting of cohort studies.

摘要

队列研究在医学研究中发挥着重要作用, 但了解其局限性是很重要的。一些正在进行的大型队列研究继续为慢性病的病因提供重要的见解。混杂是一个主要的挑战, 但在队列研究的设计和分析阶段都可以处理。将潜在混杂因素纳入分析的计划应该是研究方案的一部分。STROBE指南改进了队列研究的性能和报告。

Keywords:

• Cohort studies
• confounding
• vibration effects

Potential conflict of interest

Professor Bell has no relevant conflicts of interest.

Source of funding

Nil.