1.3 Risk Factors and Good Study

Question 1

What is a Cohort Study?

Answer 1

Cohort Studies: A group of people are followed over time to see who develops the disease and who does not.

Question 2

What is a Case-Controlled Study?

Answer 2

Case-Controlled Study: A group of people who have the disease (case) are compared to people who do not have the disease.

Question 3

Cohort Study

Answer 3

Every two years the participants are asked to prove
• a detailed medical history
• undergo a physical examination and tests
• answer questions about their life style.

Question 4

Cohort Study (Population)

Answer 4

Compare exposure to risk factors, look for correlations and draw conclusions.

Question 5

Cohort Study (Risk Factor)

Answer 5

Group with Risk Factor: Who develops who doesn’t
Group not exposed to Risk Factor: Who develops who doesn’t

Compare outcomes and draw conclusions.

Question 6

Case-Controlled Study

Answer 6

Take histories of exposure to risk factors in the past, compare, look for correlations and draw conclusions.

Question 7

Features of a Good Study

Answer 7

1. Clear aim.
   Clearly stated hypothesis or aim.
   Design of the study must be appropriate to the stated hypothesis or aim and produce results that are valid and reliable.
   
   2. Representative Sample
      Must be selected from the wider population
      No selection bias
   3. Valid and Reliable results

Question 8

Risk Factors of CVD

Answer 8

• Obesity
  
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood cholesterol and other dietary factors
  • Smoking
  • Genetic inheritance

Question 9

Affect of Old Age on CVD

Answer 9

In both sexes the prevalence of cardiovascular disease increases with age.

Can be due to the ageing on the arteries; they tend to become less elastic and may be easily damaged.

Question 10

Which sex has a higher risk of CVD?

Answer 10

Risk of cardiovascular disease is higher for men than women in the UK.