Introduction to Epidemiology: Study Design, Exposure, and Outcome

This article discusses study designs, exposure, and outcomes in epidemiology. It covers a cross-sectional study design that examines the link between domestic violence during pregnancy and preterm/low birth weight child. It also includes a case-control study investigating the association between birth defect and consuming folic acid supplements during pregnancy and a cohort study investigating the effect of a rare exposure on a disease. Lastly, it discusses the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the sources of error/bias that can affect the estimated prevalence.