Which study design is most suitable for investigating the cause of a very rare disease?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Case-control study
- Step 1: A rare outcome requires a design that starts with the cases. Step 2. Case-control studies compare past exposures in cases and matched controls and can examine several exposures efficiently. Answer: Case-control study. Why not the others: A trial is for evaluating interventions. A cross-sectional survey would find few cases. A prospective cohort would need huge numbers and many years for a rare outcome.
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