Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/88115

In Collections

This item can be found in the following collections:

Stralen, K.J. van; Dekker, F.W.; Zoccali, C.; Jager, K.J. (2010)

Case-Control Studies - An Efficient Observational Study Design

Article / Letter to editor
Case-control studies are an efficient research method for investigating risk factors of a disease. The method involves the comparison of the odds of exposure in a patient group with that of the odds of exposure in a control group. As only a minority of the population is included in the study, less time can be devoted to those who remain free of the disease of interest. The design of a case-control study can be complex due to the selection of the appropriate cases and controls. Cases can be identified in a prospective and retrospective manner from various sources. Controls can be obtained via the patient, random digit dialing or in a hospital and all at different points in the time period of the study. All options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, different forms of bias, such as recall bias and selection bias, can occur. When appropriately designed, case-control studies can provide the same information as in a cohort study, in a more rapid and efficient...Show moreCase-control studies are an efficient research method for investigating risk factors of a disease. The method involves the comparison of the odds of exposure in a patient group with that of the odds of exposure in a control group. As only a minority of the population is included in the study, less time can be devoted to those who remain free of the disease of interest. The design of a case-control study can be complex due to the selection of the appropriate cases and controls. Cases can be identified in a prospective and retrospective manner from various sources. Controls can be obtained via the patient, random digit dialing or in a hospital and all at different points in the time period of the study. All options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, different forms of bias, such as recall bias and selection bias, can occur. When appropriately designed, case-control studies can provide the same information as in a cohort study, in a more rapid and efficient manner. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, BaselShow less
Case-control study Epidemiology Nephrology Study design risk-factors
All authors
Stralen, K.J. van; Dekker, F.W.; Zoccali, C.; Jager, K.J.
Date
2010-12-31
Journal
Nephron Clinical Practice
Volume
114
Issue
1
Pages
C1C4