Question

Which of the following are limits of epidemiological studies?

1) The characteristics of the study group
2) They may be affected by the presence of confounding factors
3) They depend on the dietary recall/recording of the participants
4) Adherence of the participants to the study's protocol

Answer 1

The limits of epidemiological studies include the characteristics of the study group, presence of confounding factors, reliance on participants' dietary recall/recording, and adherence to the study's protocol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The limits of epidemiological studies include the characteristics of the study group, the presence of confounding factors, the dependency on dietary recall/recording of participants, and the adherence of participants to the study's protocol.

1. Characteristics of the study group: The study group's characteristics, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status, can impact the generalizability of the study's findings to other populations.
2. Confounding factors: External variables that are associated with both the exposure and outcome can distort the observed association in the study. These factors need to be considered and controlled for to ensure accurate results.
3. Dietary recall/recording: Studies that rely on participants' recall or recording of their dietary intake can be prone to errors and bias. It is important to use validated methods and consider limitations in capturing accurate dietary information.
4. Adherence to the study's protocol: The participants' adherence to the study's protocol, such as following the intervention or attending follow-up appointments, can impact the validity and reliability of the study's results.