A study follows 500 healthy adults for 10 years to assess the development of hypertension. Of these, 100 develop hypertension during the study period. The prevalence of hypertension in the general population is known to be 20%. What type of study design is this, and what is the cumulative incidence of hypertension in this cohort?
- A Case-control study; 20%
- B Cross-sectional study; 25%
- C Prospective cohort study; 20% ✓
- D Prospective cohort study; 25%
Correct answer: C. Prospective cohort study; 20%
Explanation
This is a prospective cohort study because healthy individuals are followed forward in time to observe the development of disease. Cumulative incidence = new cases / population at risk at the start = 100/500 = 20%. Note that cumulative incidence is a proportion (dimensionless) and gives the risk of developing disease over the specified period.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.