COHORT STUDY AS A METHOD IN ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES AND HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract

Cohort study has made, and will continue to make, important contributions to the environmental epidemiologic research. The purpose of this article is to discuss the principles of a cohort study design and related methodological issues in environmental epidemiology. Many examples illustrate the value of the cohort study as investigative approach in assessing environmental exposures and health outcomes. Cohort studies have provided fundamental knowledge for prevention strategies.

Keywords

• epidemiologic methods
• cohort study
• environmental exposures
• health outcomes