Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What type of study was conducted with 9000 females to test the effects of socio-economic status on obesity?

1. Clinical trial

2. Experimental study

3. Epidemiological study

4. Retrospective study

The correct answer is: Epidemiological study

The correct answer is an epidemiological study. In an epidemiological study, researchers observe and analyze the relationships between health outcomes, such as obesity, and various factors, including socio-economic status, within specific populations. In this scenario, involving 9000 females, the researchers are likely examining existing data or gathering data about their socio-economic status and corresponding obesity rates without manipulating any variables, which is characteristic of observational studies in epidemiology. This type of study is crucial for identifying potential associations and trends within a population, thereby contributing to the understanding of public health issues. While clinical trials and experimental studies involve interventions where participants are exposed to certain treatments or conditions to observe outcomes, these methods do not fit the outlined scenario since there is no mention of interventions being applied. A retrospective study, on the other hand, typically looks at past data and may involve examining records about socio-economic status and obesity. However, the nature of the study described suggests a broader investigation typical of epidemiological research, focusing on the relationship between a population's socio-economic factors and health outcomes.