INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Which study design compares people with a rare condition to those without it, looking into the past?

1. Case-control

2. Cohort study

3. Cross-sectional study

4. Prospective cohort study

The correct answer is: Case-control

A case-control study is the correct answer because it compares individuals with a specific condition (rare or common) to those without the condition, looking back in time to investigate potential associations between the condition and other factors. This study design is useful for studying rare diseases or conditions as it allows researchers to efficiently examine potential risk factors or causes without needing to follow a large group of individuals over a long period of time. Regarding the other options: - B. Cohort study: This type of study involves following a group of individuals over time (prospective) to observe how their exposure to certain factors influences the development of a particular condition. It is not specifically focused on comparing individuals with a rare condition to those without it. - C. Cross-sectional study: This study design collects data at a single point in time and looks at the relationship between different variables at that specific moment. It does not inherently involve comparing individuals with a rare condition to those without it. - D. Prospective cohort study: This study design follows a group of individuals over time to assess how exposure to certain factors influences the development of a particular condition. It is not specifically focused on comparing individuals with a rare condition to those without it.