Term: Cross-Sectional Survey

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2015-05-12

Definition:

A cross-sectional survey is a survey that collects data on a sample population at one point in time. As such, all measures resulting from this type of survey are static measures and changes to the sample population over time cannot be determined. Cross-sectional surveys are useful for estimating prevalence of a disease or condition in a population, as well as comparing two or more groups at a single point in time.

Related terms 

• Prevalence

References 

• Martens P, Nickel N, Forget E, Lix L, Turner D, Prior H, Walld R, Soodeen RA, Rajotte L, Ekuma O. The Cost of Smoking: A Manitoba Study. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2015. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] [Additional Materials] (View)