Biostatistics & Research · single question
Which of the following study designs is BEST for measuring disease prevalence in a population at a single point in time?
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Correct answer: A. Cross-sectional survey
A cross-sectional survey is specifically designed to measure disease prevalence — the proportion of a population affected by a condition at a specific point in time. It is a 'snapshot' study. Cohort studies measure incidence over time; RCTs test interventions; case-control studies look backward at risk factors.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Cross-sectional surveys measure prevalence at a single point in time ('snapshot' of disease frequency).
- B. ❌ Case-control studies identify risk factors associated with a disease — they start with disease status and look backward.
- C. ❌ RCTs test interventions — they don't primarily measure prevalence.
- D. ❌ Cohort studies follow subjects over time to measure incidence and identify risk factors.
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