Abstract

LIMA-COSTA, Maria Fernanda  and  BARRETO, Sandhi Maria. Types of epidemiologic studies: basic concepts and uses in the area of aging. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2003, vol.12, n.4, pp.189-201. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742003000400003.

Older adults are a population group that is increasing most rapidly in Brazil. Epidemiological studies of health conditions and determinants in the elderly are essential to help develop health policies for this population. In this work we present some basic concepts in epidemiology, the main design of observational studies, and their application in the field of aging. Descriptive and analytical studies (ecological, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort) are presented using examples of research projects carried out in Brazil. The main sources of bias, such as the use of proxy respondent, exclusion of institutionalized persons and survival bias are discussed, and some considerations are presented that must be taken into account the design, conduction, analysis and interpretation of results from these studies.

Keywords : epidemiology; aging; study design; bias.

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