Ace the Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam 2025 – Launch Your Health Hero Journey!

In a cross-sectional study, researchers collect data at one specific point in time to assess the prevalence of an outcome or characteristic within a defined population. This type of study is observational and does not involve following subjects over time, which is why it is critical to understand the nature of cross-sectional studies.

The characteristic that does not apply is that patients are followed for a sufficient period of time for outcome events to occur. Cross-sectional studies do not examine changes or developments over time; they provide a snapshot of data regarding participants’ characteristics and outcomes at a single moment. This is in stark contrast to longitudinal studies, where individuals are followed over extended periods to observe how outcomes change.

The other characteristics—having clearly defined case characteristics, relevant to a specific population, and ensuring that all members can experience the outcome of interest—are fundamental to cross-sectional studies. These aspects ensure that the study captures an accurate representation of the population concerning the prevalence of the condition or characteristic being investigated.