Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1778698
A Guide to Cross-Sectional Studies in Homeopathic Research: Part 3 of the Research Method Series
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/HL/202401/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0044-1778698_23120970-1.jpg)
Abstract
The cross-sectional study design, a prominent feature in the realm of health research, entails the simultaneous measurement of outcomes and exposures among study participants. This study design finds frequent application in homeopathic contexts, particularly in population-based surveys and the evaluation of disease prevalence or understanding the patient preferences in clinic-based samples. Notably, the utilisation of cross-sectional studies in homeopathy brings forth advantages such as expeditiousness and cost-effectiveness. These studies, serving as valuable precursors, play a pivotal role in offering crucial information before embarking on more extensive research endeavours, such as planning comprehensive cohort studies or establishing baseline measurements. While their rapid and economical nature allows for the efficient assessment of prevalence and associations, it is imperative to exercise caution when drawing causal inferences, given the singular nature of exposure and outcome measurements. This paper is meticulously designed to serve as a guide, aiding readers in comprehending the intricate nuances of cross-sectional study design and their judicious application in real-world scenarios, particularly within the dynamic landscape of homeopathy. By delving into the deeper aspects of conducting and reporting such studies, this paper aims to equip researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the technicalities of cross-sectional research within the distinctive context of homeopathic practice.
Publication History
Article published online:
01 February 2024
© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India
-
References
- 1 Dutta A. Navigating the budding researchers through different study designs in homeopathy: Part 1 of research method series. Homoeopath Links 2023; 36: 128-136
- 2 Bell IR. The evolution of homeopathic theory-driven research and the methodological toolbox. Am Homeopath 2008; 14: 56-74
- 3 Setia MS. Methodology series module 3: cross-sectional studies. Indian J Dermatol 2016; 61 (03) 261-264
- 4 Dutta A. Unleashing the power of narratives: crafting compelling homeopathic case reports—part 2 of the research method series. Homoeopath Links 2023; 36 (03) 208-214
- 5 Dutta A. A guide to writing case series in homeopathy: a supplement to part 2 of the research method series. Homoeopath Links 2023; 36 (03) 215-218
- 6 Mann CJ. Observational research methods. Research design II: cohort, cross sectional, and case-control studies. Emerg Med J 2003; 20 (01) 54-60
- 7 Ranganathan P, Aggarwal R. Study designs: part 3 - analytical observational studies. Perspect Clin Res 2019; 10 (02) 91-94
- 8 Ramji S. Study design: observational studies. Indian Pediatr 2022; 59 (06) 493-498
- 9 Setia MS. Methodology series module 5: sampling Strategies. Indian J Dermatol 2016; 61 (05) 505-509
- 10 Pourhoseingholi MA, Vahedi M, Rahimzadeh M. Sample size calculation in medical studies. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench 2013; 6 (01) 14-17
- 11 Naing L, Nordin RB, Abdul Rahman H, Naing YT. Sample size calculation for prevalence studies using Scalex and ScalaR calculators. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22 (01) 209
- 12 Andrade C, Menon V, Ameen S, Kumar Praharaj S. Designing and conducting knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys in psychiatry: practical guidance. Indian J Psychol Med 2020; 42 (05) 478-481
- 13 Louie C, D'Agostino EN, Han D, Ryken TC. Determining an appropriate outcome measure in neurosurgical research: investigating meaningful, valid, and practical metrics. Cureus 2019; 11 (09) e5610
- 14 Dutta A. Unveiling the Patient Tapestry: Harnessing the Importance of Patient Perspectives in Advancing Homeopathy Research. Homeopathy 2023; Dec 4. DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775995. . Epub ahead of print
- 15 Thompson CB. Descriptive data analysis. Air Med J 2009; 28 (02) 56-59
- 16 Tenny S, Hoffman MR. Prevalence. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Accessed January 3, 2023 at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430867/
- 17 Kim HY. Statistical notes for clinical researchers: chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. Restor Dent Endod 2017; 42 (02) 152-155
- 18 Schober P, Boer C, Schwarte LA. Correlation coefficients: appropriate use and interpretation. Anesth Analg 2018; 126 (05) 1763-1768
- 19 Pisică D, Dammers R, Boersma E, Volovici V. Tenets of good practice in regression analysis. A brief tutorial. World Neurosurg 2022; 161: 230-239.e6
- 20 Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal?. Indian J Anaesth 2016; 60 (09) 631-634
- 21 Vandenbroucke JP, von Elm E, Altman DG. et al; STROBE Initiative. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): explanation and elaboration. PLoS Med 2007; 4 (10) e297
- 22 Teut M, Walach H, Varanasi R. et al. Recommendations for designing, conducting and reporting observational studies in homeopathy. Homeopathy 2020; 109 (03) 114-125
- 23 Wade DT. Ethics, audit, and research: all shades of grey. BMJ 2005; 330 (7489): 468-471
- 24 What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It Important? - by David B. Resnik, J.D., Ph.D. [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 17]. Accessed January 3, 2023 at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm
- 25 Heiervang E, Goodman R. Advantages and limitations of web-based surveys: evidence from a child mental health survey. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2011; 46 (01) 69-76
- 26 Levi R, Ridberg R, Akers M, Seligman H. Survey fraud and the integrity of web-based survey research. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36 (01) 18-20
- 27 Dutta A, Mitra S, Mitra D. A preliminary survey of the postacute symptoms of COVID-19 among hospital-discharged patients and a proposed quantitative framework for assessment. J Health Allied Sci NU 2023; 13 (01) 90-97
- 28 Nishigori H, Takahashi O, Sugimoto N, Kitamura K, McMahon GT. A national survey of international electives for medical students in Japan: 2009-2010. Med Teach 2012; 34 (01) 71-73
- 29 Dutta A, Sharma A. Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Perspect 2021; 11 (02) 161-170
- 30 Dutta A, Sharma A, Torres-Castro R, Pachori H, Mishra S. Mental health outcomes among health-care workers dealing with COVID-19/severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Psychiatry 2021; 63 (04) 335-347