Term: Cross Sectional Study

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2006-10-20

Definition:

A study that examines the relationship between diseases (or other health-related characteristics) and other variables of interest as they exist in a defined population at one point in time. The presence or absence of disease and the presence or absence of the other variables (or, if they are quantitative, their level) are determined in each member of the study population or in a representative sample at one particular time. The temporal sequence of cause and effect cannot necessarily be determined in a cross-sectional study. Consequently, disease prevalence rather than incidence is normally recorded in a cross-sectional study.

Related terms 

• Case Control Studies
• Cohort Studies
• Longitudinal Study
• Longitudinal Survey
• Manitoba Heart Health Survey (MHHS) Data
• Prospective Studies
• Retrospective Studies

Links 

• MCHP Web Site - Documentation - Study Design and Methods

References 

• Lix L, Yogendran M, Burchill C, Metge C, McKeen N, Moore D, Bond R. Defining and Validating Chronic Diseases: An Administrative Data Approach. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)

Term used in 

• Fransoo R, Martens P, Prior H, Chateau D, McDougall C, Schultz J, McGowan K, Soodeen R, Bailly A. Adult Obesity in Manitoba: Prevalence, Associations, and Outcomes. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2011. [Report] [Summary] (View)