Question

In 2019, scientists conducted a research study about spicy food as a potential risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Scientists enrolled 500 patients with GERD. An additional 1,000 persons without GERD were also enrolled, matched on gender to patients with GERD. Participants self-reported their recent spicy foods consumption. What study design did the scientists use to answer their research question?

a. Case-control study
b. Cross-sectional study
c. Prospective cohort study X
d. Randomized clinical trial X

Answer 1

The scientists used a case-control study to answer their research question.

Step-by-step explanation:

The study design used by the scientists in 2019 to answer their research question about spicy food as a potential risk factor for GERD is a case-control study. In a case-control study, researchers identify individuals with a specific condition (cases) and compare them to individuals without the condition (controls). In this study, the 500 patients with GERD were the cases, and the additional 1,000 persons without GERD were the controls, matched on gender.